University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience
Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Biochemistry and Ecology of Co
University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, Connecticut, us, 06010
Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Biochemistry and Ecology of Coral Venom
The role: We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to join Maria Sachkova’s group to conduct research on the NERC-funded project “The Role Of Venom In Coral Resilience”. The project will run for 3 years starting February 2026 in collaboration with Cecilia D’Angelo, University of Southampton. The main goal is to reveal whether venom and heterotrophic feeding play a role in surviving bleaching in corals. The work will involve characterisation of venom composition and biosynthesis dynamics under bleaching in several coral species using proteomics, transcriptomics and other lab techniques. Maria’s group has access to genomics, proteomics and aquarium facilities at Bristol, and the project benefits from the aquarium facility at Southampton that maintains multiple coral species under controlled conditions.
Project Description Global climate change is leading to the decline of coral reefs, largely due to coral bleaching. Corals can obtain nutrients either autotrophically from their algal endosymbionts or by feeding on planktonic prey (heterotrophy). During bleaching, the symbionts are lost, risking starvation and often death. However, many corals can survive bleaching by increasing their heterotrophic feeding. To capture prey, corals use venom produced by specialised stinging cells. Venoms are metabolically expensive to synthesize but can help corals overcome energy depletion during bleaching and may be a key resilience mechanism. Little is known about the composition of venom in corals and its role in coral nutrition and responses to environmental disturbance. This project will establish the role of venom in surviving bleaching using biochemical and molecular approaches and experiments with live corals cultured at the University of Southampton, providing new insights into coral biology at organismal, molecular and cellular levels.
What You Will Be Doing
Planning and conducting lab and aquarium experiments in line with the project goals
Presenting results at national and international conferences
Preparing research manuscripts for publication
Qualifications You Are Experienced In (essential):
Wet lab techniques (protein biochemistry and work with DNA/RNA)
Basic bioinformatics (e.g., BLAST, HMMER, Pfam)
Troubleshooting experiments and adjusting lab protocols
Experience In (desirable):
Lab work with corals or other marine invertebrates
Venom research
Proteomics
Transcriptomics or Nanostring nCounter platform
Tissue staining techniques
Coral ecology, especially bleaching
Metabolic rate monitoring by respirometry
Additional Information Contact for informal queries:
Maria Sachkova – maria.sachkova@bristol.ac.uk
Contract type:
Open Ended (Fixed funding until 31/01/2029)
Work pattern:
Full time
Grade:
I or J
Salary:
£39,906 - £44,746 (Grade I) / £43,482 - £50,253 (Grade J) per annum depending on experience
School/Unit:
Biological Sciences
Hybrid working:
will be considered, depending on onsite lab responsibilities.
This advert will close at
23:59 UK time on Monday 24th November 2025.
Interviews will take place on Monday 8th December 2025.
Online process will be considered for any overseas applicants.
Our strategy and mission The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+, and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
Available Documents
ACAD108332 - Researcher - Job Description.pdf
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Project Description Global climate change is leading to the decline of coral reefs, largely due to coral bleaching. Corals can obtain nutrients either autotrophically from their algal endosymbionts or by feeding on planktonic prey (heterotrophy). During bleaching, the symbionts are lost, risking starvation and often death. However, many corals can survive bleaching by increasing their heterotrophic feeding. To capture prey, corals use venom produced by specialised stinging cells. Venoms are metabolically expensive to synthesize but can help corals overcome energy depletion during bleaching and may be a key resilience mechanism. Little is known about the composition of venom in corals and its role in coral nutrition and responses to environmental disturbance. This project will establish the role of venom in surviving bleaching using biochemical and molecular approaches and experiments with live corals cultured at the University of Southampton, providing new insights into coral biology at organismal, molecular and cellular levels.
What You Will Be Doing
Planning and conducting lab and aquarium experiments in line with the project goals
Presenting results at national and international conferences
Preparing research manuscripts for publication
Qualifications You Are Experienced In (essential):
Wet lab techniques (protein biochemistry and work with DNA/RNA)
Basic bioinformatics (e.g., BLAST, HMMER, Pfam)
Troubleshooting experiments and adjusting lab protocols
Experience In (desirable):
Lab work with corals or other marine invertebrates
Venom research
Proteomics
Transcriptomics or Nanostring nCounter platform
Tissue staining techniques
Coral ecology, especially bleaching
Metabolic rate monitoring by respirometry
Additional Information Contact for informal queries:
Maria Sachkova – maria.sachkova@bristol.ac.uk
Contract type:
Open Ended (Fixed funding until 31/01/2029)
Work pattern:
Full time
Grade:
I or J
Salary:
£39,906 - £44,746 (Grade I) / £43,482 - £50,253 (Grade J) per annum depending on experience
School/Unit:
Biological Sciences
Hybrid working:
will be considered, depending on onsite lab responsibilities.
This advert will close at
23:59 UK time on Monday 24th November 2025.
Interviews will take place on Monday 8th December 2025.
Online process will be considered for any overseas applicants.
Our strategy and mission The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+, and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
Available Documents
ACAD108332 - Researcher - Job Description.pdf
#J-18808-Ljbffr