At a Glance
- Tasks: Bioengineer plant immune receptors and enhance disease resistance in crops.
- Company: Join the Kourelis lab at Imperial College London, a leader in plant sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days off, generous pension, and career support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for publication and international conferences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security through innovative research.
- Qualifications: PhD in plant sciences or related field; molecular biology experience required.
The predicted salary is between 49017 - 57472 £ per year.
Location: South Kensington Campus
About the role:
Do you want to bioengineer plant immune receptors to enhance disease resistance in crops? Join the Kourelis laboratory in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London on a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant-funded project that integrates protein biochemistry, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics. The Kourelis lab studies fundamental questions in plant–microbe interactions, focusing on the function and evolution of plant immune receptors. The goal of the lab is to use this knowledge to bioengineer disease resistance genes tailored to diverse challenges.
What you would be doing:
- Engineer plant NLR immune receptors using techniques including Gibson Assembly and Golden Gate cloning.
- Perform high-throughput functional characterisation of bioengineered immune receptors.
- Use CRISPR genome editing.
- Develop bioinformatics expertise alongside the wet-lab work. Training in computational methods will be provided.
- Publish first‑author papers and present at international conferences.
- Contribute to lab teaching and supervision of project students.
What we are looking for:
- A PhD (or equivalent) in plant sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
- Willingness to develop bioinformatics expertise alongside the wet‑lab work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- You will be expected to provide training and assistance to more junior researchers.
- Knowledge of plant immunity, NLR biology, or effector biology is desirable, not essential.
What we can offer you:
- Comprehensive training in synthetic biology, biochemistry, plant–pathogen interactions, and bioinformatics, preparing you for a future career in academia or industry.
- Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a network of international collaborators.
- 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.
- 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, fixed‑term position for up to 3 years. The anticipated start date is 01 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Jiorgos Kourelis directly to discuss the project and the lab before applying.
Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering in London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London offers an exceptional work environment for the Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering, located at the prestigious South Kensington Campus. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, employees benefit from comprehensive training, generous leave, and robust career support, ensuring both personal and professional growth. Join a world-leading institution dedicated to advancing science for humanity while collaborating with international experts in a multidisciplinary setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those connected to the Kourelis lab. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got experience with techniques like Gibson Assembly or CRISPR, make sure to highlight these in conversations. We want to see how you can contribute to the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on plant immunity and NLR biology. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show us you're serious about the role and ready to dive into the research.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in plant sciences, molecular biology, and any techniques mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our research goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about bioengineering plant immune receptors. Share specific examples of your work and how it relates to the Kourelis lab's mission. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and well-structured. We appreciate concise language that gets straight to the point while still being engaging.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your materials properly and helps us keep track of your application. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in plant synthetic biology and immune receptor engineering. Familiarise yourself with key techniques like Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate cloning, and CRISPR genome editing. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication is a must for this role, prepare to articulate your past research experiences clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex ideas, whether in papers or presentations, and be ready to share them during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires both independent work and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked in teams before, especially in a research setting. Highlight any experience you have in mentoring or training junior researchers, as this will be a key part of your role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Kourelis lab's current projects and future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the lab environment aligns with your career goals. Don't hesitate to reach out to Dr Kourelis beforehand to get a better understanding of the lab's focus.
