Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Tooke Lab () is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a highly interdisciplinary project addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The position is offered on a 24-month contract with the potential to extend for an additional 12-months. Blended and flexible working arrangements will be considered. The position is available to start as soon as possible.

Background:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a huge burden to both global health and economy. Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a top 3 pathogen for AMR related deaths worldwide and classed as critical priority for which new antibiotics are urgently required (WHO). β‑Lactams, the most prescribed antibiotic class worldwide, kill bacteria by binding and inhibiting Penicillin Binding Proteins (PBPs). β‑Lactam resistance can be conferred by β‑lactamases (BLAs), enzymes evolutionarily related to PBPs that inactivate the antibiotics, threatening their continued clinical efficacy.

The Tooke Lab aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing PBP and BLA function, inhibition, and resistance evolution in K. pneumoniae. We adopt an integrated approach spanning microbiology, biochemistry, structural biology, and biomolecular simulation, with access to state‑of‑the‑art structural methods, including time‑resolved crystallography at X‑ray free‑electron lasers (XFELs).

This role offers exceptional training at the interface of experimental and computational biology, within a supportive and collaborative research environment.

• Molecular biology (cloning, generating plasmid constructs for recombinant protein expression)
• Microbiology (MIC determination and checkerboard assays)
• Biochemistry (protein purification and enzyme kinetics)
• Structural biology (primarily protein crystallography (including time‑resolved crystallography at XFELS) with the additional potential for some cryo-EM on suitable targets.)
• Computational chemistry (biomolecular simulation)

To
1) Identify how inhibitors optimally bind to PBP/BLA targets. And
2) Understand (and predict) resistance determinants (BLA production, BLA evolution and the further possibility for PBP modifications contributing to reductions in antibiotic susceptibility and resistance).

• PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Biology, Chemistry or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise with recombinant protein expression, purification and crystallisation.
• Hands‑on experience with X‑ray crystallography from crystals through to data collection and data processing.
• Proficiency and familiarity with biomolecular simulations (Molecular dynamics or higher‑level calculations) of proteins in AMBER (or another similar simulations package).
• Active interest in AMR, antibiotic drug discovery and pathogen biology research.

• Strong organisational, communication, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and solve problems proactively
• Willingness to supervise and train junior lab members
• Some laboratory management responsibilities will be included

Further Information

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.

For informal queries please contact Dr Catherine Tooke at

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade
6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

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…