You will be joining a highly interdisciplinary project, where we will blend synthetic biology, environmental engineering, and biotechnology to develop disruptive solutions to major environmental challenges. Experience with advanced cloning systems, CRISPR tools, metagenomic mining and the use of different biofilm imaging platforms is highly desirable. There will be a particular focus on developing approaches to harness bacterial community behaviours like biofilm formation to better tackle environmental pollutants such as waste plastics. Our aim is to leverage cutting-edge advancements in synthetic biology and biofilm engineering to develop innovative strategies for bioremediation, with a key focus on scalable solutions that can be readily adopted by the waste and water sectors. 

This fast-paced project will give the successful candidate the opportunity to develop new skills by working closely with our interdisciplinary team and build their international profile including through research visits to academic collaborators and working with SMEs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for accurate and efficient data generation, data management, collation and the reporting of results to the project lead. The post-holder will need to demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organisational, team working and communication skills and have a keen interest in drafting research outputs for peer-review publication. The successful applicant will work closely with other researchers within the McCarthy Lab and with other EBIC partners. There will also be opportunities to explore the commercial 

Applicants must have a BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline. Experience and knowledge in the field of biofilm formation is essential. Experience in some or all of the following: advanced cloning systems, CRISPR tools, metagenomic mining and the use of different biofilm imaging platforms is highly desirable. They should be enthusiastic, well motivated and be able to work both independently and collaboratively. This position is available for 32 months. Please include one paper or preprint that illustrates research skills that are relevant to this project. 

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

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Closing Date: 14 May 2026

Section: Technical & Experimental

Salary: £36,636 to £41,064 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 01/06/2029

The successful candidate will be responsible for accurate and efficient data generation, data management, collation and the reporting of results to the project lead. The post-holder will need to demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organisational, team working and communication skills and have a keen interest in drafting research outputs for peer-review publication. The successful applicant will work closely with other researchers within the McCarthy Lab and with industrial and scientific partners in other centres. The role may also involve a research visit to a collaborator in the United States. 

Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Experience and knowledge in the field of biofilm formation is essential. Experience with with Galleria mellonella and advanced microscopy methods is also highly desirable. They should be enthusiastic, well motivated and be able to work both independently and collaboratively. This position is available for 24 months and is supported by the Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council . Please include one paper or preprint that illustrates research skills that are relevant to this project. 

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Closing Date: 11 May 2026

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £41,064 to £44,746 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 24 months