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- Tasks: Lead high-impact research on immune responses to bacterial infections using advanced techniques.
- Company: Join the Odendall Laboratory at a leading research institute focused on infectious diseases.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in understanding host-pathogen interactions and advance your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in cell biology or molecular microbiology; experience with mammalian cell culture is essential.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with strong links to top research institutions.
The predicted salary is between 45031 - 63043 £ per year.
About the role
The Odendall Laboratory investigates innate immune responses to enteric bacterial pathogens, with a particular focus on the pathways that integrate microbial detection with inflammatory signalling. Our aim is to understand how pathogens such as Salmonella and Shigella are sensed by host cells, and how bacteria subvert these processes to promote infection.
Among these regulatory nodes are calcium-regulated kinases, including the calmodulin-regulated kinase CaMKII, which we and others have found to be activated during infection and targeted by bacterial effectors (Alphonse et al, Cell 2022). Our recent work shows that CaMKII is required for signalling downstream of multiple innate immune receptors, highlighting it as a central node in the host–pathogen interface.
We are seeking a motivated and driven Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong cell biology and molecular microbiology skillset to lead a high-impact project investigating how calcium-regulated kinases control cell signalling pathways during infection and how pathogens manipulate these processes. The post-holder will develop an independent research project using molecular and cellular approaches to map infection-driven signalling networks. They will have opportunities to employ advanced live-cell imaging in collaboration with the Advanced Microscopy platform at the Francis Crick Institute, as well as transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to define the downstream pathways controlled by these kinases.
The successful candidate will join a team within the Department of Infectious Diseases, a collaborative and supportive environment with strong links across King’s and the Francis Crick Institute. Applicants should hold a PhD in cell biology, molecular microbiology, or a related discipline. Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology is essential, and expertise in advanced fluorescence microscopy is strongly desired. A strong interest in innate immunity and host–pathogen interactions, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, are essential. The candidate will be expected to contribute data and writing to peer-reviewed manuscripts and will be supported for applications for independent fellowships towards the end of the post.
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for 2 years.
About You
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- PhD in cell biology, molecular microbiology, or a related discipline *
- Strong research track record, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or preprints
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques
- Demonstrated expertise in cell signalling or infection biology
- Proven ability to design, implement, and analyse experiments independently
* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
Desirable criteria
- Experience with advanced fluorescence microscopy (e.g. live-cell imaging, FLIM/FRET, biosensors)
- Experience with bacterial infection models (Salmonella, Shigella, or similar)
- Experience with omics-based techniques (e.g. phosphoproteomics, transcriptomics)
- Skills in computational analysis of imaging or omics datasets
£45,031 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance. Grade 6
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Research Associate employer: King's College London
Contact Detail:
King's College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of cell biology and molecular microbiology. Attend seminars or workshops related to innate immunity and host-pathogen interactions, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or mentors.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, publications, and any advanced techniques you've mastered, like fluorescence microscopy. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise in infection biology.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your responses to common questions about your research experience and how it relates to the role. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for the project.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about making connections, so don’t hesitate to submit your application directly on our platform. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining our collaborative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your PhD and any relevant experience in cell biology and molecular microbiology. We want to see your research track record, so don’t hold back on mentioning those peer-reviewed publications!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention your interest in innate immunity and how your skills align with the project on calcium-regulated kinases. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your background better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at King's College London
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the specifics of the Odendall Laboratory's work. Familiarise yourself with the role of calcium-regulated kinases and their impact on innate immunity. Being able to discuss recent publications, like the one from Alphonse et al, will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of experiments you've designed and implemented, especially those related to cell signalling or infection biology. This is your chance to shine!
✨Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Share examples of past collaborations, particularly in research settings. The lab values a supportive environment, so demonstrating your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the lab's ongoing projects, potential collaborations, or future directions in research. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your critical thinking skills. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
