At a Glance
- Tasks: Engineer plant immune receptors and conduct high throughput characterisation.
- Company: Join the Kourelis lab at Imperial College London, a leader in plant sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days off, and comprehensive training in cutting-edge research.
- Other info: Full-time position with opportunities for career growth and international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security through innovative bioengineering.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in molecular biology techniques.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; training and assistance of more junior researchers is expected.
- 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.
- Sector leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
- A diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
This is a full time, fixed term position for up to 3 years. The anticipated start date is 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a diverse team.
Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering employer: Job Search Place Limited
At Imperial College London, the Kourelis laboratory offers an exceptional environment for research associates in plant synthetic biology and immune receptor engineering. With access to cutting-edge facilities, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and comprehensive training opportunities, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to groundbreaking scientific advancements. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and supports your career growth in a world-leading institution.
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