Post-doctoral Research Fellow

Salary: £40,528 to £51,470 Per Annum Including London Weighting

Fixed Term / Full Time

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Monday 22 June 2026

InterviewDate: Tuesday 21 July 2026

Reference: CBS-0124-26

Contract: Fixed-term, full-time, 18 months

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious and motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an MRC-funded project investigating the mechanisms controlling antimicrobial resistance gene transfer in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a major human and animal pathogen.

The successful candidate will work with Professor Jodi Lindsay at Royal Veterinary College, Dr Adam Witney at City St George's, and Dr Alex McCarthy at Imperial College London, on the MRC-funded project: "Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Transfer in MRSA: Novel Mechanisms, Barriers, and Environmental Controls."

This interdisciplinary project combines molecular microbiology, bacterial genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and tissue culture approaches to understand the mechanisms controlling horizontal gene transfer in MRSA. The postholder will contribute to experimental and analytical aspects of the project, with opportunities to develop independent ideas, publish high-impact research, and present findings at national and international conferences.

The post also offers a supportive, collaborative environment with opportunities for mentoring, training, and career development.

About you

You hold or be close to completing a PhD in microbiology or a related discipline. We are particularly interested in candidates with:

• expertise in bacterial genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics
• evidence of scientific productivity, such as publications, preprints, and/or conference presentations
• excellent communication and organisational skills
• the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Experience in S. aureus, antimicrobial resistance, bacterial genetics, or horizontal gene transfer would be advantageous but is not essential.

About us

The Royal Veterinary College is ranked the top veterinary school globally. Based at the Camden campus in central London, the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences integrates teaching and research across physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and genetics. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment with strong links to clinical, veterinary, and academic partners across London.

The RVC is committed to supporting the professional development and wellbeing of its researchers and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

What we offer

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• a collaborative and supportive research culture
• opportunities for training and skills development
• opportunities to attend and present at international conferences
• support for career progression and fellowships

We offer a generous reward package and benefits including:

• Competitive and attractive pension package
• Generous 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays/concessionary days)
• A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free mini-bus service to and from Potters Bar station and Hawkshead Campus
• Free membership to the Sports and Wellbeing Centre located on site at Hawkshead campus (including gym and fitness classes)

We promote equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.