Research Assistant in Chemical Glycobiology

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Candidate to join a vibrant international research team focused on Chemical Glycobiology. This role involves developing innovative microarrays to investigate interactions between glycopolymers and the immune system, contributing to groundbreaking research in combating multidrug-resistant infections. The successful candidate will benefit from comprehensive training and collaboration with leading experts in a dynamic, multicultural environment. This is an exciting opportunity to advance your research career at a world-leading institution while enjoying a competitive salary and generous benefits, including flexible working arrangements and professional growth resources.

Benefits

39 days off a year

Generous pension schemes

Flexible working

Family leave

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Qualifications

• Background in chemistry, biochemistry, or glycochemistry required.
• First-class MSc in a relevant subject is essential.
• Experience in glycan microarray technology is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop WTA microarrays and investigate recognition by immune receptors.
• Collaborate with experts in glycosciences and other DCs.
• Conduct high-throughput recognition screening studies.

Skills

Chemistry

Biochemistry

Glycochemistry

Glycan interactions

Organic synthesis

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

First-class MSc in relevant subject

Tools

Glycan microarray technology

STD NMR

SPR/BLI

Job description

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Research Assistant in Chemical Glycobiology, London

Client:

Imperial College London

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

d11b7a0f1446

Job Views:

3

Posted:

24.04.2025

Expiry Date:

08.06.2025

Job Description:

Imperial College London is proud to be part of "AUREUS", an international collaboration consisting of nine leading academic institutions and four prominent industry partners across Europe. Recently awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network grant, the project is dedicated to addressing the critical global challenge of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Through pioneering research in advanced synthesis, chemical glycobiology, immunology, structural biology, and biophysics, the network aims to deepen our understanding of biosynthesis processes, immune system interactions, and the therapeutic potential of S. aureus cell wall glycopolymers, specifically wall teichoic acids (WTA). These insights will pave the way for innovative treatments and therapies.

The project is funded by Professor Ten Feizi FRS and led by Dr. Yan Liu. It houses a state-of-the-art Carbohydrate Microarray Facility, enabling collaborative studies on glycan interactions with proteins and microbes within the global biomedical community. We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Candidate (DC) to join our 15-DC AUREUS network team. The successful candidate will benefit from a vibrant international research environment, comprehensive training, and collaboration with leading experts across academia and industry.

Your primary role will be to develop S. aureus WTA microarrays and investigate their recognition by lectin receptors of the innate immune system and anti-WTA antibodies. These high-throughput recognition screening studies will identify key WTA recognition fragments, guiding further studies using STD NMR, SPR/BLI affinity measurements, and cellular models within the AUREUS network.

This post is analogous to a PhD studentship, and the postholder is expected to fulfill the Departmental and College requirements to obtain a PhD.

You will collaborate with experts in the Glycosciences Laboratory and other DCs within the AUREUS network to develop WTA microarrays and investigate their recognition by immune receptors and potentially by anti-WTA antibodies. These studies will identify key WTA fragments that interact with immune receptors, providing insights for further research using STD NMR, SPR/BLI, and cellular models.

• Background in chemistry, biochemistry, or glycochemistry
• First-class MSc in a relevant subject and a genuine desire to pursue a PhD in Chemical Glycobiology as part of a multidisciplinary consortium
• Knowledge of glycan interactions, glycan binding systems, and ideally immune lectin receptors
• Experience in small-scale organic synthesis and glycan microarray or other array technologies is desirable but not essential
• Strong organizational skills with a well-structured work approach
• Team player, open-minded, and cooperative
• Collaborative mindset in a multidisciplinary, international environment
• Willing to travel for regular multinational network events

The candidate must not have resided in the UK for more than 12 months over the past 3 years by the start of the project.

• Comprehensive training in glycobiology and glycan microarray technology
• Work in a dynamic, multicultural city with opportunities for EU travel and collaboration
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings for research, training, and transferable skills
• Research career at a world-leading institution
• Competitive salary and remuneration package (39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
• Access to workplace benefits including flexible working, family leave, on-site leisure facilities, and cycle-to-work schemes
• Interest-free season ticket loan for travel in London
• Diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with resources supporting your personal and professional growth.