Graduate Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Research Associate – Schrader lab

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Prof. Michael Schrader. This BBSRC-funded post is available immediately until 30 September 2025. The successful applicant will combine molecular cell biology, protein biochemistry, and imaging to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of organelle (peroxisome) communication in the regulation of cellular lipid metabolism and developmental processes.

The post will include molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas technology, protein biochemistry, studies on protein interaction/recombinant proteins, lipid metabolism, and work with cultured mammalian cells.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

At GRA level:

Applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study (e.g. in biology or biochemistry) or equivalent experience and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Applicants will have some knowledge in molecular cell biology, molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, and enthusiastic interest in solving cell biological problems such as the molecular mechanisms of organelle communication/cooperation. Expertise in protein interaction assays, generation of recombinant proteins, CRISPR/Cas technology, lipid metabolism, fluorescence-based confocal microscopy, cell cycle, and mammalian cell culture will be considered as an advantage. The successful applicant will work with Prof Michael Schrader and his team at the University of Exeter, in close collaboration with international partners.

At PDRA level:

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study (e.g. in biology or biochemistry) and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Applicants will have strong knowledge in molecular cell biology, molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, and enthusiastic interest in solving cell biological problems such as the molecular mechanisms of organelle communication/cooperation. Expertise in protein interaction assays, generation of recombinant proteins, CRISPR/Cas technology, lipid metabolism, fluorescence-based confocal microscopy, cell cycle, and mammalian cell culture will be considered as an advantage. The successful applicant will work with Prof Michael Schrader and his team at the University of Exeter, in close collaboration with international partners.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Prof. Michael Schrader, e-mail m.schrader@exeter.ac.uk.

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

This new full-time post is immediately available until 30 September 2025 (with potential extension by 3-4 months, subject to funding), on a fixed term basis.