Jobs in Newcastle – Research Assistant/Associate in Bacteria-Host Interactions, Newcastle University, Newcastle

Job Description

Jobs in Newcastle are currently open at Newcastle University, which is hiring a Research Assistant / Associate in Bacteria-Host Interactions in the Biosciences Institute (Requisition ID 29752). The role joins the laboratory of Dr James Connolly to uncover the molecular details and impact of sphingolipid synthesis in Gram-negative bacteria, as part of a collaborative Wellcome Trust Discovery Award. The post is full-time and fixed-term (3 years in the first instance, with the possibility to extend), posted 11 September 2026. Published salaries: Research Assistant £33,951–£35,608 per annum; Research Associate £36,636–£39,906 per annum. The posting notes that, as a Wellcome Trust funded role, the successful applicant may be eligible for the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent Visa, and that an interest-free loan scheme is available to support visa applicants. The closing date is 9 October 2026. The sections below carry the published role details, requirements and the official application link under 'How to Apply'.

Responsibilities

- Drive the project combining bacterial genetics, 'omics approaches and in vivo models
- Determine how sphingolipid expression is regulated within the host and impacts colonisation dynamics
- Use multi-omics methods to profile the intestinal environment
- Present progress, write up results and contribute to publications and grants (Associate level)

Requirements

- Honours degree in microbiology, biochemistry or biotechnology (Research Assistant)
- PhD in microbiology or a related discipline (Research Associate)
- Research experience in animal models and genetic manipulation of Gram-negative bacteria
- Detailed subject knowledge in molecular microbiology and/or host interactions

Benefits

- Generous holiday package with the opportunity to buy more
- Pension schemes and health and wellbeing initiatives
- Possible Global Talent Visa Endorsed Funder route eligibility (Wellcome Trust funded)
- Interest-free loan scheme to support visa applicants