Postdoctoral Research Fellow

**Salary**

The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.

**Contractual hours**

36.5

**Package**

Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).

**Job category/type**

Research

**Date posted**

09/02/2026

**Job reference**

Q13457

**Faculty of Health and Life Sciences**

The MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter is seeking three postdoctoral scientists to join Professor Gordon Brown’s team elucidating the roles and physiological functions of the recently identified Myeloid Inhibitory C-type Lectin receptor, MICL (CLEC12A), a receptor for neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs; Nature 2024 633:442).

The posts are available from July 2026 until June 2028. Supported by a Wellcome Trust Discovery award, the appointed Postdoctoral Research Fellows will each lead an area of investigation, whilst closely collaborating with the other team members.

**The post**

Supported by a Wellcome Trust Discovery award, the appointed postdoctoral research fellows will each lead one of three areas of investigation (listed below), whilst closely collaborating with the other team members.

(1) Elucidating MICL functions on myeloid cells, to generate crucial information revealing the cellular roles, functions and underlying mechanisms by which MICL regulates immunity. The focus of this work will be to elucidate the components of MICL involved in the recognition and response to NETs and to elucidate the broader role of MICL on myeloid cells, making use of a cell-specific in vivo model that we have just

produced.

(2) Investigating the role of anti-MICL autoantibodies in autoimmune disease pathology, to reveal the underlying mechanisms by which anti-MICL autoantibodies mediate their pathological effects and develop

approaches to block the effect of these autoantibodies during disease. The focus of this work will be to determine the association of anti-MICL autoantibodies with clinical autoimmune disease, to understand how

autoantibodies affect MICL function, and to test the therapeutic potential of blocking MICL-autoantibody interactions.

(3) Defining the role of MICL during fungal infections, to ascertain the role of MICL during fungal infections and explore mechanisms to beneficially modulate this receptor’s function. The focus of this work is to determine the impact of MICL functions on anti-fungal immunity and to explore how to modulate these functions to control infection.

**About you**

The successful applicants will need to demonstrate extensive experience in *in vitro* and*in vivo* molecular, biochemical and/or relevant immunological techniques, and have a clear and demonstrable track record of research excellence. Career development opportunities will be available for the right candidates, including continuing education, conference attendance, scientific publishing and support in the development of funding applications for future independence.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicants will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

**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 Professor Gordon Brown, e-mail Gordon.brown@exter.ac.uk

This role may be subject to additional background screening.