Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiome Ecology

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a
project to investigate host-microbiota interactions.





You will join the lab of Dr Sarah Knowles, working on a project to investigate
host-microbiota interactions. The role involves two components: (i) initial
analysis of previously collected data to explore associations between the gut
microbiota and host phenotypes of interest within the wild house mouse
population of Skokholm Island, Wales. (ii) designing and carrying out a
gnotobiotic (microbiome transfer) experiment using wild mouse donors and germ-
free recipient mice, to probe the causal impacts of natural variability in the
microbiome on host phenotypes of interest. This will include subsequent lab
work to characterize the microbiome from resulting samples, and statistical
analyses to test specific hypotheses.





You will hold a PhD in microbial ecology or in a related subject and have
demonstrable experience in conducting fieldwork on the Skokholm wild house
mouse system and designing experiments. You will have a srong academic record
showing excellence as a researcher in microbial ecology.





Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research
outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your
supporting statement.





The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All
applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.





This post is fixed term for a year.





The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 19 March 2024,
interviews are likely to be scheduled late March 2024. Applications for this
vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be
required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online
application.