Postdoctoral Research Associate, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions

Corehr; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in London seeks a Research Associate to study Candida albicans using advanced molecular and immunological techniques. The role involves independent research focusing on gene regulation and host responses, funded by the BBSRC. Candidates should hold a PhD in relevant fields and possess strong research experience in fungal pathogenesis. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career advancement upon PhD confirmation.

Qualifications

• Experience in fungal pathogenesis, especially Candida.
• Experience with animal models (mouse) and cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research on Candida albicans.
• Utilize molecular and immunological technologies.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

PhD in Biological Sciences

PhD in Molecular Biology/Genetics

PhD in Microbiology

PhD in Immunology

Tools

CRISPR

ChIP-Seq

RNASeq

Job description

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About King’s College London

King’s College London (King’s) is a world-leading Russell Group research institution. The work will be undertaken in the Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, part of the Faculty of Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Sciences. The Centre is renowned for expertise in host-pathogen interactions, microbial pathogenesis, mucosal disease, immunology, and oral cancer. It offers core facilities for molecular, cellular, immunological, microbiological, and animal research, supported by extensive scientific expertise.

About the role

Candida albicans is typically a commensal organism on mucosal surfaces but can cause severe morbidity and life-threatening infections under predisposing conditions. It has virulence factors such as hyphae formation and candidalysin secretion, but the regulatory mechanisms controlling its yeast-hypha transition and pathogenicity are not fully understood. The Research Associate will utilize molecular, protein, cellular, immunological, and ‘omic’ technologies to study these processes, focusing on the regulation of the ECE1 gene and host responses to different strains of C. albicans in vivo. The position is funded by the BBSRC and based in the laboratories of Professor Julian Naglik and Dr. Jonathan Richardson at King’s College London, where the successful candidate will conduct independent and original research.

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) with a fixed-term contract until 29 June 2028 or three years from the start date.

About you

To be successful, candidates should have:

• A PhD in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology/Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology, or related fields.
• Research experience in fungal pathogenesis, especially Candida.
• Experience in molecular biology and genetics, including gene regulation and transcription factors.
• Experience with fungal CRISPR technology.
• Familiarity with cell biology techniques, including signaling.
• Experience working with animal models (mouse).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good practical and organizational skills.
• Personal Licence (for BSU work).
• Experience in cell culture and ‘omic’ technologies such as ChIP-Seq, CHIP-SICAP, and single-cell RNASeq.
• Experience with immunological techniques like Western blotting, antibody, and T cell assays.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details are available in the Job Description document, accessible after clicking “Apply Now”. This document outlines the criteria assessed during recruitment.

Candidates who have submitted their thesis and await PhD award will be considered. Initially, the appointment will be at Grade 5, spine point 30, with the title of Research Assistant, upgrading to Research Associate upon PhD confirmation.

Further information

We value diversity and inclusivity and aim to create a welcoming environment for all staff.

Applicants should submit a CV and a supporting statement addressing the essential criteria. Strong applicants may also be assessed against desirable criteria.

For details on our recruitment process, please visit our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

We offer sponsorship for eligible candidates and the position is subject to Occupational Health clearance.

Grade and Salary: £45,497 per annum including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 113645

Post Date: 24-Apr-2025

Close Date: 15-May-2025

Contact: Julian Naglik

Contact Details: [e-mail]