Research Assistant/Associate in Systems Microbiology & Phage Biology
The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a Research Assistant/Associate in Systems Microbiology to join the research group of Dr. Somenath Bakshi in the Department of Engineering. The project will investigate a fundamental question in phage biology: why does the physiological state of a bacterial cell influence the outcome of phage infection?
The research team will investigate how different physiological states, including dormancy, nutrient limitation, growth transitions, and cellular stress, can create temporary phage resistance or tolerance.
The project aims to understand:
- Why some bacterial cells prevent productive phage infection
- Why other cells become infected but survive
- How bacterial physiological state influences phage killing
- The molecular mechanisms responsible for transient phage resistance and tolerance
- How pre-infection cellular state can predict infection outcomes
Understanding these mechanisms could provide new insights into bacterial-phage interactions and the factors that determine the success or failure of phage infection.
Key Responsibilities
The work will include:
- Constructing bacterial strains and genetic reporters
- Establishing bacterial-phage experimental systems
- Using bacterial genetics and genetic engineering to manipulate host physiology
- Performing quantitative phage infection assays
- Testing bacterial responses under defined physiological conditions
- Using fluorescence and time-lapse microscopy
- Linking bacterial physiological state before infection with infection outcomes
- Analysing quantitative experimental data
The researcher will also work with the Bakshi Lab’s single-cell phage infection platform and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team working across microbiology, engineering and quantitative modelling.
Qualifications & Skills Required
- The position is suitable for researchers with a background in microbiology, molecular biology, phage biology or related fields.
- Applicants should have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in an appropriate discipline such as:
- Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Phage Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering
- Research Associate: Applicants who already hold a PhD may be appointed at Research Associate level.
- Research Assistant: Applicants who have submitted their PhD but have not yet received the degree will initially be appointed at Research Assistant level. The appointment can then be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the University of Cambridge’s online recruitment system.
Applicants should upload:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Covering letter
- Any additional documents specifically requested in the application
Applicants should not upload unnecessary documents, as the university notes that additional unrequested documents may not be considered.
Please quote the following reference number in the application and correspondence:
Reference: NM50835
For more phage-related research and academic opportunities, check here
