Trinity-Pemberton Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bacteriology-AMR Part-time

Postdoctoral Scientist Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced postdoctoral scientist to join Dr Richard Hayward's team to investigate the cellular microbiology of Chlamydia trachomatis, a leading cause of infertility and infectious blindness worldwide.

Our research addresses two urgent priorities for global health: tackling infectious disease and reducing reliance on antibiotics in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia exquisitely remodels mammalian cells to create a protected intracellular compartment, where it can replicate or persist, hidden from immune defences and largely shielded from antibiotics. Current treatments rely on high antibiotic doses, reinfection is common, and intracellular compartmentalisation reduces drug effectiveness. The postdoctoral researcher will employ multidisciplinary approaches (advanced imaging, biochemical, cell biology approaches) to understand how Chlamydia forms and maintains this replicative compartment. By uncovering this fundamental pathogen biology, we aim to identify new therapeutic targets, guide vaccine development, and reduce antibiotic reliance.

This post is a unique and prestigious opportunity for an experienced cellular microbiologist with significant experience and an outstanding track record of working with obligate intracellular bacteria under containment. In addition to driving semi-independent projects within the team, it is envisaged that a suitable candidate would also be mentored towards an independent career development application. The successful candidate will automatically be made a member of the Trinity Postdoctoral Society.

The ability to work enthusiastically both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills is essential. Other responsibilities include developing and driving research objectives and writing up work for presentation and publication.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a covering letter detailing project and career development aspirations and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. Please provide contact details, including an email address of two referees. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.

Key Information

Department: Department of Pathology

Salary: £37,694-£46,049

Reference: PK49457

Category: Research

Date Published: 17 April 2026

Closing Date: 8 May 2026