Post Doctoral Research Assistant

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

About the role:

The Research, Knowledge and Enterprise Service welcomes applications for the position of Post-Doctoral Research Assistant to work on a project focused on the development of novel anionic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) aimed at combating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (MRSA) infections.

Funded by a Peel Trust award, this project explores a unique amphibian-derived AMP, which exhibits potent, pH-dependent membranolytic activity targeting S. aureus. This activity is driven by specific interactions between the peptide’s anionic residues and the cationic headgroup of lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol (LPG) in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. 

The post-holder will use antimicrobial assays to investigate the antimicrobial properties of the peptide derivatives. In parallel, CD spectroscopy, lipid monolayer analysis, and dye release assays will be employed to study the membranolytic activity of the peptide and its analogues using bacterial phospholipids.

This work has the potential to drive the development of clinically relevant AMPs to address antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus infections—particularly MRSA, which is listed as a high-priority pathogen by the World Health Organization.

About you:

We are seeking a candidate who can work independently, contribute effectively to a collaborative team focused on a specific research problem, and engage productively within the broader academic or industrial community.

You will need to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant area along with a PhD in a relevant area.

For informal enquiries or further information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Sarah Denison via email on srdennison1@uclan.ac.uk. 

What we can offer you:

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.

Where opportunity creates success.