Postdoctoral Research Associate in Proteomics (Microbial Competition and Type VI Secretion)

Overview

An opening is available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in mass spectrometry-based proteomics to lead the proteomics portion of a collaborative Wellcome Discovery Award examining competitive interactions among microorganisms. The role is hosted by the University of Manchester within the School of Biological Sciences, specifically in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Function and the Laboratory for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry. Work will be conducted under the supervision of Prof Matthias Trost, with the researcher collaborating alongside teams at the Universities of Dundee, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Chicago. The position runs for a fixed term of 36 months, starting from 01/01/2027 and ending on 31/12/2029.

What you get

The position provides a salary ranging from £38,448 to £46,970 per annum, determined by relevant experience. Employment benefits include a generous employer contribution pension, 29 days of annual leave plus bank holidays alongside a Christmas closure period, and access to a ride to work scheme and an electric vehicle car scheme. The appointee will gain hands-on access to modern instrumentation such as the timsTOF HT and timsTOF Ultra AIP systems.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD or be about to obtain one, and possess proven hands-on experience in operating and maintaining mass spectrometry systems, background in proteomics, and strong data analysis capabilities utilizing R. While not strictly required, prior experience in microbiology, specifically regarding bacterial or fungal biology, is considered advantageous. Candidates are expected to collaborate effectively with peers while simultaneously driving their own research objectives, conducting data-independent acquisition proteomics experiments, maintaining LC and mass spectrometry instruments, and publishing findings as a lead or co-author.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline. Enquiries regarding the role, shortlisting, and interviews can be directed to Prof Matthias Trost, while general administrative questions should be sent to the designated recruitment services contact.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 17/11/2026. The fixed-term contract duration spans from 01