Research Associate (SS reference: SS13358

About the role

The role is for a postdoc in bioinformatics, who will work on studying the evolution of microbial mercury methylation across prokaryotes (on a BBSRC-funded project). The analyses will typically involve phylogenetics and computational biology. The postdoc will also assist with supervision of undergraduate and MSc student research projects to a degree appropriate to their position. Key aspects include:

Carrying out phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses of prokaryotes.Performing ancestral gene content reconstruction and reconstructing the evolutionary history of metabolic pathways.Collaborating with experimentalists working on culturing mercury methylators.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

About you

This is a postdoctoral position, requiring a degree and PhD in a relevant subject (e.g., bioinformatics, computational biology).Expertise in phylogenetics and comparative genomic methods, including gene tree-species tree reconciliation.The ability to work as part of a team, and collaborate with a broad variety of people.

Further information

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis with an expected start date of 01/07/2026 until 30/06/2027. For informal discussions about the role please contact XX.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

                                          

Closing Date: 13 Feb 2026

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049