Postdoctoral Fellow

DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY & IMMUNOLOGY 

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with strong experimental microbiology expertise to join the Pletzer laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and work closely with the Gamble laboratory in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Otago, located in beautiful Ōtepoti / Dunedin, New Zealand.

About us

The Pletzer Laboratory investigates antimicrobial resistance, bacterial pathogenesis, and new approaches to treating infectious diseases using complementary in vitro and in vivo infection models. The Gamble Laboratory has expertise in synthetic, bioorganic, and medicinal chemistry, with a particular focus on developing new therapeutic approaches. Together, the groups provide a highly multidisciplinary research environment spanning microbiology, medicinal and synthetic chemistry, and antimicrobial drug development. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers across both laboratories and the wider project team.

The role

This position is part of the Wellcome Leap Focused Antibiotics programme aiming to transform how existing antibiotics are delivered so that infections can be effectively treated while minimizing disruption of the gut microbiome. The University of Otago is one of only 16 teams selected internationally for the programme.

The Otago project focuses on developing antibiotic strategies that are delivered to the site of infection, retaining antibacterial efficacy while minimising exposure of the gut microbiome.

The successful candidate will lead the experimental microbiology and infection-model components of the project. The work will include evaluating antibiotic activity against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens, optimizing in vitro assays, and assessing lead compounds in preclinical infection models. A major focus will be developing and applying in vivo models of bacterial infection to determine antibacterial efficacy and support progression of promising candidates.

The project is highly collaborative and milestone-driven, providing an opportunity to work with researchers at Otago and with internationally recognized teams in antibiotic development, drug delivery and microbiome research participating in the wider Wellcome Leap program.

Your skills and experience

Applicants must hold a PhD in microbiology, infection biology, antimicrobial research or a closely related discipline.

The successful candidate will have:
•    substantial hands-on experience in experimental bacteriology and microbiology, including bacterial culture, quantitative microbiology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing;
•    demonstrated ability to design, optimise and independently execute microbiological experiments;
•    experience analysing, interpreting and communicating complex experimental datasets;
•    a strong research track record, including first-author publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals;
•    excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently within a fast-moving, milestone-driven research programme;
•    strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Experience with in vivo bacterial infection models is strongly preferred. Candidates with demonstrated experience working with mouse models of bacterial infection will be particularly competitive. Experience with various routes of infection, therapeutic intervention studies, quantitative bacterial burden measurements, tissue collection and processing, and/or longitudinal infection imaging is a plus.

Additional advantageous experience includes antimicrobial time-kill assays, biofilm models, bioluminescent bacterial imaging, pharmacological treatment studies, molecular microbiology, bacterial genetics, and working with clinically relevant bacterial pathogens.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to data analysis, preparation of reports and manuscripts, programme milestone deliverables, general laboratory activities, and supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate researchers where appropriate.

Further details

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), fixed-term position for 12 months, with the possiblity of extension, based in Dunedin, New Zealand. 

The preferred start date is 1 October 2026, although some flexibility in the start date may be possible for the right candidate.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position. An exception may be considered for exceptional candidates who are willing and able to relocate to New Zealand shortly after receiving an offer.

For further information, please contact Associate Professors Daniel Pletzer or Allan Gamble via the contact details below

Application

Applicants should provide 
•    A short cover letter outlining their suitability for the position.
•    A detailed CV highlighting relevant microbiology and in vivo infection experience, publications relevant to the above-listed skills, and expertise.
•    Names and contact details of at least two academic or scientific referees.

To submit your application, please follow the link below. Applications quoting reference number 2601348 will close on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.

https://otago.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=2601348