Research Fellow (112306)

About the Role

We are looking to recruit a Research Fellow on a full-time, fixed-term contract ending no later than 30 September 2029. An extension beyond 30 September 2029 is subject to approval from the funder (NERC).  

KEYWORDS:  – [ammonia oxidation, environmental microbiology, molecular microbiology, biogeochemical cycling]

Project overview:

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position to work on a NERC-funded project titled “Partners in crime: Does microbial cooperation exacerbate nitrous oxide emission from soil?”. The aim of the project is to understand how microbial interactions influence nitrogen cycling and N2O production from soil.

Ammonia oxidising microorganisms play a key role in the global nitrogen cycle, and are of major significance to climate change, food production and sustainable agriculture. Little is known about how ammonia oxidising microorganisms interact with other microorganisms in soil, and how these interactions and cooperation influence N2O flux. This research project will investigate the nature of interactions and nutrient exchange between ammonia oxidising and denitrifying microorganisms.

The results will help understand the roles of nitrogen cycling microorganisms in the environment, and provide fundamental, novel insights into the global biogeochemical nitrogen cycle.

Please note this is an on-campus based role due to the nature of the work, therefore we cannot accommodate any work from home. 

Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to Prof. Laura Lehtovirta-Morley (laura.lehtovirta-morley@warwick.ac.uk).

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

We are looking for someone with expertise in environmental microbiology but we also welcome applications from people with expertise in molecular microbiology including RNA-based techniques. Applicants should be proficient in microbial cultivation and gas chromatography. You must have a high degree of independence so that you can carry out research tasks and realise outputs (including publications).

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 within the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure, unless exceptional experience applies to warrant a higher salary.

About the Department

School of Life Sciences

For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website at

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci 

About the research group:

You will join the Lehtovirta-Morley research group in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University. We are a diverse group of interdisciplinary scientists who study the ecology, physiology and biochemistry ammonia oxidation.

You will assist the Project Leader in the successful execution of the research project, carefully following the planned timescale and reporting at regular intervals.

Lehtovirta-Morley lab, Warwick

For more information about our lab visit:https://www.lehtovirta-morleylab.com/

The School of Life Sciences (SLS) has world-leading research in microbiology including environmental microbiology and biogeochemical cycling, plant-microbe interactions, microbial biochemistry and metabolism, and structural microbiology.

All across SLS our research is supported by cutting-edge experimental and computational facilities, including genomics, proteomics, high-performance computing, advanced confocal, flow cytometry, light and electron microscopy facilities and bioinformatics.

Warwick has a Sustainability Spotlight and an interdisciplinary cross-faculty working group (Warwick Environmental Systems Interdisciplinary Centre (WESIC)) focused on climate change and sustainability, with aims of which this work is aligned. We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.

How to Apply

We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Please ensure your CV includes your most recent employment experience along with any additional relevant experience and education history.

Your cover letter should detail your motivation for applying for the role as well as detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.   

In your application, you can also include any career breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave, part-time work, secondments) or any periods where you were unable or restricted to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The interviews will be held: To Be Confirmed

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.