Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Internal only)

University of Stirling

  • United Kingdom
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
*Internal Applicants Only*The Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences is offering a post-doctoral research fellow (PDRF) post to work with Prof. Mags Crumlish on a project focussed on fish vaccination.The project is part of the InnoVet-AMR funded catfish project which focuses its activities on vaccination as a method to reduce antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in Asian catfish farming systems. Vietnam is one of the world’s largest producers of Asian catfish species, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Bacterial infections continue to cause significant disease problems in these farming systems, which has supported the rapid growth of antimicrobial resistance. There is a critical need to develop efficacious vaccines and vaccination programmes to reduce AMR. This project will help support the aquaculture development targets in delivering vaccination strategies and programmes for farmed Asian catfish to reduce the existing overreliance on antibiotics. This is a multidisciplinary project, including specialists in aquaculture, fish health, vaccination, human behavioural economics and psychology. More details can be found by following this linkThe overall research aims for the PDRF within this project are to characterise a large collection of bacterial strains using multiple methods, and support development of the novel fish vaccine by identifying immunological markers using molecular and serological assays that correlate with protection. They will perform antibiotic resistance profiling and develop antibiotic testing standards for fish pathogens in Southeast Asia. The post will be within the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling with opportunity to conduct research in Vietnam.Description of Duties
  • Processing of fish tissues and bacterial samples for molecular, serological and biochemical analyses
  • Developing and standardising antibiotic sensitivity assays relevant to fish pathogens
  • Contribute towards fish vaccination and efficacy trials at UoS and with collaborating Institution in Vietnam
  • Using bioinformatics pipelines to support reverse vaccinology analysis
  • Preparing and delivering clear, concise and accurate reports, publications and presentation
  • Assist in the supervision of MSc and PGR research projects
  • Other duties as necessary
Essential CriteriaQualifications
  • A PhD (or recently submitted) in the field of Microbiology and/or Molecular Biology, relevant to fish disease
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
  • Experience of fish health or disease diagnosis or aquatic vaccine research
  • Experience in generation, analysis and management of omics-data
  • Experience of bioinformatic analysis
  • Experience of bacterial identification methods and laboratory analyses/research practices relevant to fish health/disease or vaccination e.g. g. RT-qPCR, ELISA, Western Blot and SDS PAGE assays
  • Evidence of being able to work as part of a team
  • Willing to work for limited periods in laboratory/field of project partners in Vietnam
  • Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent time management skills including ability to prioritise workload
  • Trustworthy and reliable
  • Knowledge in statistical methods in the context of biological systems
  • Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
  • An ability to work both independently and in a team
Desirable Criteria
  • Experience of working in Asian aquaculture research
  • Experience of performing antibiotic sensitivity testing methods e.g. disc diffusion/MIC
Additional Information*Internal Applicants Only*Full time
Fixed term for 14 monthsThe closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 08 September 2025.
Interviews are expected to take place Monday 15 September 2025.There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.Behaviours and CompetenciesThe role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
  • Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly. * Delivering excellent serviceProviding the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
  • Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation. * Embracing changeBeing open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles. * Using resources effectivelyIdentifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets. * Engaging with the wider contextEnhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values. * Developing self and othersShowing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential. * Working togetherWorking collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process. * Achieving ResultsConsistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.About UsFaculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. Results of REF2021 confirmed that 80% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Recent success in the 2018 City deal is leading to a substantial investment in new infrastructure linked to the Faculty including a £17 million investment for a new Institute of Aquaculture and Global Aquatic Food Security facility and a £5 million investment for Scotland’s International Environment CentreInstitute of AquacultureEstablished in 1971, the Institute of Aquaculture (IoA) is the leading international centre in its field and the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute of Aquaculture has research and teaching facilities on campus including temperate and tropical aquaria. Off campus, at Buckieburn, the IoA has its freshwater research facility and, at Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula, its marine research facility. The entire Institute brings together cross-disciplinary, world class researchers in breeding and physiology, genomics and selection, nutrition, emerging aquatic diseases, immunology, parasitology, welfare and behaviour, environmental management, society and technology, and policy and governance our research and training focuses on critical questions relating to strategies for sustainable aquacultureThe UniversityThe University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland’s International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

University of Stirling