At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on bacterial immune systems and phage biology using experimental and computational methods.
- Company: Join a world-leading institution dedicated to advancing science for humanity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days off, generous pension, and career development support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make impactful discoveries in microbiology and contribute to high-profile publications.
- Qualifications: Strong background in microbiology or related fields; experience in research project design.
The predicted salary is between 47223 - 47223 £ per year.
Job Type: Full-Time. Starting Salary: 49017 - 57472 per annum plus benefits.
About the role
Do you want to advance your research career as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist investigating how bacteria defend against viruses? We are seeking a talented and motivated scientist to join our research team investigating the evolution and function of bacterial immune systems. The successful candidate will combine experimental and computational approaches to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial antiviral defence. Your findings will have profound implications for understanding phage-host dynamics and the development of phage therapy and novel biotechnological tools.
What you would be doing
In this role, you will lead independent research projects investigating the molecular mechanisms of bacterial immune systems, spanning phage biology, bacterial genetics, biochemistry, and computational biology. You will discover and characterise novel bacterial defence systems through systematic data mining, functional screening, and mechanistic studies, integrating experimental and computational approaches to understand how these systems evolve and function at the molecular level. Your work will contribute to high-impact publications in leading scientific journals, presentations at international conferences, and you will have the opportunity to mentor and support junior researchers within the team.
What we are looking for
- A strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, bacteriology, or phage biology.
- Experience with bacterial genetics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and bioinformatics (one or more areas).
- Ability to design and conduct independent research projects, from experimental design to data analysis, interpretation, and publication.
- Expertise in studying phage-host interactions, ideally characterizing bacterial anti-phage defence systems.
- Experience with phage-based experiments, microbial genetics, bacterial cultivation, phage infection assays, or high-throughput screening.
- Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines, sequencing-based approaches, and the ability to analyse and interpret complex datasets.
- Experience in protein and/or nucleic acid biochemistry, enzymology, structural biology, or related approaches to investigate molecular mechanisms.
- A strong publication record appropriate to the career stage, preferably in bacterial defence systems, phage biology, microbiology, or related areas.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
- Proven track record in supervising students.
- A creative, ambitious, and collegial mindset, with enthusiasm for developing new ideas and contributing to a growing research team.
What we can offer you
The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression. As a member of research staff, you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes). Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
This is a full-time post. This role is for a fixed-term contract for 24 months. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range 43,863 - 47,223 per annum.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Jos R Penads or Rafael Pinilla-Redondo.
Research Associate in Phage Biology and Bacterial Immunity - London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer for those looking to advance their research careers in a dynamic and supportive environment. With access to sector-leading career support, generous benefits including 41 days of annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to groundbreaking research in phage biology and bacterial immunity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Phage Biology and Bacterial Immunity - London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Imperial College London!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Phage Biology and Bacterial Immunity - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Imperial College London that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Imperial College London.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Imperial College London does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Imperial College London. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Imperial College London's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Imperial College London. This shows your passion for the industry!
