Research Fellow in Phage Display

University of Leeds

Leeds, United Kingdom

ID: 7151870 (Ref.No. FBSMB1257)
Posted: June 5, 2023

Job Description

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in phage display and isolation of Affimer reagents? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

Antimicrobial resistance represents a global challenge that requires a paradigm shift in healthcare to resolve. Antibiotics are becoming less effective due to increased resistance associated with their overuse and mis-prescription. There is a demand not only to develop new antimicrobial compounds but to improve diagnosis and prescribe only as required, and specific to the pathogen.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common types of infections and are a significant cause of mortality, especially among the elderly population. Many patients are in care home settings or have poor mobility and hence the ability to undertake and remote test, and report the results directly to the patient record would represent a significant advance for infection diagnosis and treatment. This position is part of a multidisciplinary team to develop lateral flow devices for multiplex detection of UTIs. It will involve developing phage display methods to isolate Affimer reagents against different microbes that cause UTIs, develop devices and clinically validate the devices. 

For this role, you should have a PhD (or close to completion) in development of phage display methods and isolation of Affimer reagents. You should also have experience in production of recombinant proteins and Affimer reagents, development of phage display protocols, characterising Affimer reagents in a range of binding assays, general molecular biology skills and a good analytical ability.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was awarded a Silver award in 2020.  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information. 


To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Darren Tomlinson

Tel: +44 (0)113 3437099 | Email: [email protected] 


Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Biological Sciences
School/Institute:  School of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Category:  Research
Grade:  Grade 7
Salary:  £36,333 to £43,155 p.a.
Working Time:  100%
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (for 3 years due to external funding)
Release Date:  Friday 02 June 2023
Closing Date:  Friday 09 June 2023
Reference:  FBSMB1257


The University community is made up of a wide range of people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances, which we value and regard as a great asset. As part of our continued commitment to equality and inclusion, we strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and have a real opportunity to participate in and contribute to our activities.