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 access to state-of-the-art facilities and international networks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable agriculture and advance your research career.
- 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 (j.kourelis@imperial.ac.uk) to discuss the project and the lab before applying.
Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative research environment at the South Kensington Campus. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a commitment to employee growth through comprehensive training and dedicated career support, you will be well-prepared for a successful future in academia or industry. The inclusive work culture, generous remuneration package, and ample leave ensure that you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to groundbreaking research in plant synthetic biology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former members of the Kourelis lab or similar research groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini-presentation or a poster about your previous research. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and shows your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Send a speculative email to Dr Kourelis expressing your interest in the lab and how your background aligns with their work. It shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering
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!
Show Off 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 showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of plant immune receptors and the techniques mentioned in the job description, like Gibson Assembly and CRISPR genome editing. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working in a multidisciplinary environment, be ready to talk about your experience collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to team projects or helped train junior researchers, as this will highlight your ability to work well in a group.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the Kourelis lab's current projects or future directions in plant synthetic biology. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also demonstrates that you've done your homework and are keen to engage with the research community.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you may need to present your ideas to diverse audiences. This will help you stand out as someone who can effectively share knowledge and contribute to lab teaching.
