Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environmental Engineering and Microbiology

Biosciences is one of the very best departments in the UK (2nd Guardian 2027, 4th Complete University Guide 2027) and it has an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and the employability of our students. The department provides a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environmental Engineering and Microbiology to join CARMA – the Co-selection of Antimicrobial Resistance by Metals Alliance. CARMA is a large, transdisciplinary UKRI-funded research programme investigating how metal pollution in rivers and wastewater co-selects for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and what this means for human health, environmental regulation and intervention. It is a collaboration between colleagues in the UK and India, bringing together Durham University, Imperial College London, the University of Birmingham, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Pondicherry University, with environmental engineers, microbiologists, infection specialists, modellers, economists, genomic experts, patients and practitioners.

This post is based in the Department of Biosciences but has substantial engineering content, focused on water quality, water chemistry and environmental measurement. The post-holder will lead the design and delivery of harmonised environmental sampling at an array of river sites in Northern England, and work with partners in India who are carrying out parallel sampling on the Ganges, Yamuna and near Chennai, so that samples are collected and analysed in the same way at every site.

Working with Professor David Graham and Dr Marcos Quintela-Baluja, the post-holder will develop a structured sampling plan with our Indian partners; oversee sample collection and processing, including culture-based microbiology, metal and water chemistry analyses, DNA extraction and preparation of samples for genomic and metagenomic sequencing; and build a well-organised project archive and database that makes the field data available to all partners.

A central part of the role is to act as the interface between field sampling and the project's bioinformatics, modelling, economics and clinical teams, turning field observations into consistent, well-documented datasets that those colleagues can use. Detailed bioinformatic analysis will be carried out by a second PDRA and by partners elsewhere in the project. The role requires working knowledge of metagenomics, bioinformatics, and statistics; modelling and economics can be learned on the job.

The post reports to Professor David Graham and is co-managed by Dr Marcos Quintela-Baluja. Hybrid working is possible. Because the role involves laboratory and field work, the post-holder will normally be expected on site in Durham three to four days a week, although flexible arrangements can be discussed. A full driving licence is required to reach field sites.

Key Responsibilities:

To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.

To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.

To publish high-quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.

To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.

To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.

To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.

To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.

To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.

To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.

To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.

To interact with and support students involved in project fieldwork and sample processing, including students at partner institutions in India, as appropriate.

To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.

To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.

To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, and by attending relevant training and development courses.

To design, with the Principal Investigator and partners in the UK and India, a structured and harmonised sampling plan for river sediment, water and wastewater samples.

To lead and oversee UK field sampling campaigns across wet and dry seasons, including sample collection, labelling, chain of custody, storage and shipment between sites.

To work with partners in India to ensure that sampling procedures and analytical methods are identical across all sites, including a one-week visit to India early in the post.

To oversee and perform sample processing, including culture-based microbiology (selective plating and multidrug-resistance screening), total and bioavailable metal and water chemistry analyses, DNA extraction, and sample preparation for genomic and metagenomic sequencing.

To jointly supervise, with the Principal Investigator, a research technician, including planning, allocating and checking laboratory and field work.

To create and maintain a structured project archive and database of samples, metadata and results, accessible to partners across the project.

To contextualise field data and organise it into consistent, well-documented formats for colleagues undertaking bioinformatic, modelling, economic, and clinical analyses.

To ensure that field and laboratory work complies with health and safety, risk assessment and research data management requirements.

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications:
- A good first degree in environmental engineering, microbiology, environmental science or a related subject.
- A PhD in environmental engineering, microbiology, environmental science or a related subject.

Experience:
- Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
- Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
- Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
- Hands-on experience of culture-based microbiology (e.g. selective plating, isolation and antimicrobial resistance screening).
- Experience of metal and water chemistry analysis (e.g. total and bioavailable metals, nutrients, BOD/COD, organic carbon).
- Experience of environmental field sampling, and of designing structured experiments or sampling campaigns.
- Knowledge of metagenomics, bioinformatics and statistics sufficient to prepare samples and structure data for downstream analysis by specialists.

Skills:
- Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
- Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills, with evidence of planning and managing complex work, samples or datasets.
- Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of technical staff.
- A full driving licence valid in the UK or a firm commitment to obtain a license within six months of hiring.
- Willingness to undertake outdoor fieldwork in the UK and to travel to India for one week early in the post.

Desirable Criteria:
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
- A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
- Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
- Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills.
- Knowledge of mathematical modelling and/or economic evaluation.
- Experience of working in low- and middle-income countries and/or in international, multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience of building and managing research databases or sample archives (e.g. LIMS, relational databases, FAIR data principles).
- Experience of preparing samples for, or initiating, genomic or metagenomic sequencing.
- Research experience in antimicrobial resistance or environmental microbiology.
- Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

Benefits include: 30 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (42 days total); generous USS pension scheme; campus parking, cycle to work scheme, bus and train discounts, Tusker Car Benefit Scheme; comprehensive professional development opportunities; health and wellbeing support including discounted gym membership and 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme; outstanding on-site nursery and holiday camps; generous family-friendly policies; volunteering opportunities; staff discounts portal; salary sacrifice schemes; relocation support and visa cost coverage where applicable.