Are you an early-career researcher with expertise in the study of fungi and extensive, up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in your subject area? 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our research team on a project funded by a Wellcome Trust Fungal Adaptation grant to address how adaptation to natural and host environments drives Mucorales pathogenicity, to deliver a step change in our understanding of Mucorales biology and to aid the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

As Research Associate in Mucorales Adaptation you can expect to be involved in:

• Performing original laboratory-based research
• Taking initiatives in the planning and delivering of high-quality research
• Conducting data analysis and ensuring the validity and reliability of data at all times
• Preparing research findings for publication and presentation. Attending meetings and presenting regular written oral and/or written progress reports to local and national colleagues and collaborators.

What will you bring to the role?

• A relevant PhD or equivalent in a related field of study (e.g. Microbiology, immunology, cell biology) 
• Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in your subject area 
• Excellent technical skills in the study of fungi, e.g. using in vitro and/or in vivo infection models, genomic and transcriptomic analyses, high-throughput phenotypic characterisation, confocal and/or imaging flow cytometry-based experimentation
• Proven experience in conducting research projects, including data collection and analysis plus a collaborative and proactive approach, with strong communication skills and the ability to contribute to a dynamic research team.

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

•    43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)

•    Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions

•    Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number SNS-082-26.

Closing Date: 19 Jun 2026

Section: Research

Salary: £39,906 to £44,746 per annum