As part of our next phase of development at the Franklin, we have identified Chemical Microbiology as a priority activity. We believe the interface between both pathogenic microbial targets and the products of microbial biosynthetic clusters is area ripe for exploration and exploitation. Our goal is to bring to light the ‘dark matter’ of microbial genetics and biology. This topic aligns well with our scientific focus on infection and damage, and the body’s response to it.
We believe this is an area that will benefit enormously from a partnership with a University or a University consortium to recruit a talented research leader who can form the heart of a partnership between our organisations.
We do not wish to be overly prescriptive as to the model of partnership. We currently operate across the spectrum of models, and would therefore welcome your suggestions as to what model would be most effective.
We do have some guiding principles that govern our approach regardless of preferred model, as set out below;
(1) Integration with existing or planned University activity in this area – the key is partnership;
(2) Intellectual centre of gravity will be at the Franklin and we expect the majority of their research to be conducted at the Hub. We would expect the funding pattern to reflect this majority time spent at the Franklin, but can discuss exact funding split with partners individually;
(3) Full status within the University, critically part of PhD training programs. All members of their team (post-docs, technicians etc) to have full or visiting status (access to libraries, seminars and career development etc).
If your University is interested in pursuing this, or would like further details please e-mail info@rfi.ac.uk. We would want to have the formal expressions of interest by February 14th.