Research Associate in Evolutionary Mycology

We seek a highly motivated and dedicated postdoctoral researcher experienced in evolutionary microbiology or mycology to study how anthropogenic environmental stressors interact with fungal genotypes to affect mutation rates and the evolution of antifungal resistance.

The successful candidate will join a lab group focused on understanding the factors driving the remarkable adaptability of the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus based in the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG). The position will involve laboratory-based research to assess the mechanisms of mutation rate plasticity within A. fumigatus, as well as the design and running of long-term evolution experiments, requiring whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.

Applicants should have a PhD (or equivalent) in biological science and a strong background in evolutionary microbiology, or mycology, and demonstrable experience in computational analyses of genome sequence data.

The 3-year full-time position is funded by the Wellcome Trust and is available from February 2026.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk .

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Michael Bottery

Email michael.bottery@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.