Research Assistant in Host Microbiome Interaction: Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics

The role will be of post-doctoral research assistant (PDRA) to Dr Sylvia Dobbs, Lead, Host Microbiome Interaction Group: Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London and King's Health Partners. We look at Parkinson's disease as an immune or inflammatory response in the brain, driven by what is happening in the gut. In order to manage Parkinson's disease in an individual, one needs to understand how they reached their current state, what would happen if left untreated, and what intervention has the prospect of get them to a better position. A model is needed into which to feed critical information and retrieve cause/effect insights on which to base logical decisions. Biological information cuts across diagnostic boundaries and blanket descriptors of disease manifestations. We take a bottom-up approach to building this cause/effect model. It includes black box deconstruction to ascertain fundamental disease components and a rational rebuild. We endeavour to understand each layer of potential drivers in the gut (e.g. bacteria and their products, fungi, protozoa, viruses), their interaction, and opportunities for intervention in causal pathways. Interventions allow the shift from describing 'associations' between the biology and clinical outcome to discussing 'cause and effect', with the prospect of clinical trial design to bring research findings into practice. The appointee will help generate this biological information, by laboratory work on microbiome and specific pathogens, metabolome and immunome. The work will involve close collaboration with other team members, driving the programme on aetiopathology of neuropsychiatric disease forward. It will also involve routine but necessary tasks/responsibilities. This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an a fixed term contract until 31st January 2027 in the first instance. Research staff at King's are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the , applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the for more information., The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King's guidance. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicant's own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found . We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day. Interviews are due to be held in September 2026.

• Holding an MSc or on an MSc course in discipline of direct relevance to the work (e.g. molecular and cellular biology, immunology, metabolomics).
• Significant practical laboratory experience [e.g. developing real-time PCR assays and initiation into gene sequencing analysis, ELISA quality control].
• Being highly motivated, strong collaborative spirit, with excellent communication skills.
• Having demonstrated organisational skills, initiative and ability to work independently within set guidelines, aiming for deadlines.
• Ability to contribute pro-actively to/and conduct research (including gathering, preparing and analysing data, thinking critically, generating ideas and presenting results).

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge and some practical experience of nucleic acid analysis software (e,g. BLAST, Clustal Omega and primer design software) and immmunoassays.
• Capability in reviewing literature.
• Wish to contribute to the publication of research in peer-reviewed journal(s).
• Experience placing orders on business world would be an asset but courses can be attended.

From molecules to medicines: using science to transform health:- The Institute of Pharmaceutical Science at King's College London is organised into Departments that work together towards the development of toxicological and forensic science; the discovery of novel medicines & new formulations that can be evaluated in the clinic; and providing a better understanding of how to optimise the use of existing medicines by patients and healthcare professionals., At King's, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

Grade and Salary: £39,076 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Allowance. Job ID: 156225