The opportunity

You will join the Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Group, based within the Microbiology and Infection Research Group at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The group has an extensive track record of assessing the prevalence and mechanism of antibiotic resistance among human mycoplasmas as well as addressing questions relating to the prevalence of mycoplasma within the community.

You will play a vital role in developing and applying a novel target enrichment protocol for direct sequencing of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA directly from clinical samples obtained from various sites across the globe. These data will assess the types of M. pneumoniae present before and during the re-emergence of M. pneumoniae in late 2023 following its absence since the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This project is funded by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID)and will be overseen by the ESCMID Study Group for Mycoplasma and Chlamydia Infections (ESGMAC), the ESCMID Study Group for Epidemiological Markers (ESGEM) and the ESCMID Study Group for Genomic and Molecular Diagnostics (ESGMD)

What We Are Looking For

With demonstrable hands-on expertise in whole genome sequencing and related data analysis, you’ll be able to work independently to drive this innovative project forward under the guidance of the ESCMID study group collaborators. You will ideally have experience working with clinical specimens containing microbial DNA and an appreciation of the handling requirement of such samples.

Doctoral level qualification or working towards the submission of a thesis.
Knowledge relevant to the subject area.
Knowledge of research ethics and governance processes in the relevant area.
Ability to write research ethics and governance applications in the relevant area.
Ability to design processes for participant recruitment, data collection and data storage.
Ability to analyse qualitative and / or quantitative data.
Competent in the use of Microsoft Office.
Ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve problems encountered in the research context.
Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate and relate to a variety of academics and professionals at different levels through reports, in meetings or by presentations.
Self-motivated and well organised.
Experience of working to tight deadlines.
Experience of presenting research findings.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

In 2020, the University was named The Sunday Times ‘Welsh University of the Year 2021’; in 2021 it became the Times Higher Education ‘UK and Ireland University of the Year 2022’; and in 2022 it was ranked the top university in the UK in the People and Planet Green League.

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support each other, we are kind to one another, and we are one team; we are One Cardiff Met. We encourage and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best.

In addition, the University offers highly competitive terms and conditions including:

Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time).
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
Flexible and remote working opportunities.
Excellent family friendly policies.
Award winning sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership, plus subsidised physiotherapy/complementary therapy/sports massage.
Access to all library facilities.
Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

If you would like to talk with us about this opportunity please contact Dr Mike Beeton, Project Lead, at mbeeton@cardiffmet.ac.uk .

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.

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