Graduate Research Assistant

Conducts laboratory and bioinformatics research into how bacteria metabolise organic nitrogen, using microbiology, molecular biology, genetic engineering and comparative genomic techniques.

The Role

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (Living Systems Institute)

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant to support the work of Dr Adam Monier. The successful applicant will investigate how bacteria, including nitrogen-fixing diazotrophs, take up and metabolise organic nitrogen, combining laboratory experiments with bioinformatic analyses, as part of a Royal Society-funded research programme on microbial metabolism and ecological interactions.

The post will include culturing bacterial strains, including diazotrophs, and running growth experiments under different nitrogen regimes; applying molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR, qPCR and cloning; building and testing genetic constructs using synthetic biology approaches; carrying out comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses of nitrogen-related genes across microbial genomes and metagenomes; and writing up results for publication and presentation.

About You

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information orally, in writing and electronically, and support the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will be educated to MSc level in Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics or a related field of study, or possess equivalent research experience, and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Applicants will be able to demonstrate practical experience of standard molecular biology techniques (such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis), of bioinformatic analyses (such as comparative genomics and phylogenetics), and of culturing microorganisms using aseptic technique. Experience of working with diazotrophic bacteria, or of genetic engineering or synthetic biology approaches in bacteria, would be an advantage.

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future
Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England. 

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities.

Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

What we can offer you:

•  Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;

• Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;

• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;

• Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;

•  A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.