Research Scientist – RNAi factors and mechanism in Candida albicans

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Scientist to join the Buscaino Lab at the Quadram Institute. This Wellcome Trust funded project aims to identify novel RNA interference (RNAi) components in Candida albicans using a biochemical approach. Based at the Quadram Institute, the post holder will work within the Buscaino Lab and collaborate closely with Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University). The successful candidate will lead experimental work to isolate, purify and characterise RNAi associated protein complexes in C. albicans. Expertise in protein complex purification and characterisation is essential. Experience in genetics is highly desirable, and experience in fungal biology would be an advantage but is not essential.

Key Relationships

• Internal: The position will report to Prof Alessia Buscaino, who leads the project at the Quadram Institute. The post holder will work closely with other researchers in the Buscaino Lab, contribute to coordinating research activities, assist team members with data analysis, and help with the preparation of scientific papers and funding proposals.
• External: The post holder will collaborate with Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University), as well as other academic partners in the UK and overseas. They will present findings at national and international conferences and engage in public outreach and science communication.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments to identify, purify and characterise novel RNAi‑associated protein complexes in Candida albicans using biochemical approaches. (15% of time)
• Apply biochemical and molecular biology methods for protein‑complex isolation, purification and functional analysis. (10%)
• Conduct genetic experiments to functionally characterise RNAi components. (10%)
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure full reproducibility of experimental work. (10%)
• Support team members by sharing protocols, offering technical guidance and assisting with troubleshooting. (10%)
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including Prof Foster and Prof Traven. (10%)
• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and other dissemination activities. (10%)
• Interpret experimental data and integrate findings within the broader biological and mechanistic context. (10%)
• As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role. (5%)

Education & Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related discipline (essential).

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent understanding of protein biochemistry (essential).
• Excellent knowledge of RNA interference biology (essential).
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA cloning (essential).
• Good understanding of genetics (essential).
• Knowledge in fungal biology (desirable).
• Working knowledge of mass spectrometry–based proteomics (desirable).
• Familiarity with mass spectrometry workflows (e.g., LC MS/MS) (essential).
• Demonstrated ability to perform research (essential).
• Demonstrated experience in isolating and purifying multi protein complexes using biochemical methods (essential).
• Good publication record or close to publications for early‑career researchers (essential).
• Experience with mass spectrometry for protein identification and characterisation (desirable).
• Experience in raising antibodies (desirable).
• Experience in fungal genetics, including generating mutants and protein tagging (desirable).

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral (essential).
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team (essential).
• Independent scientist who can develop their own biological questions (essential).

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail (essential).
• Promotes equality and values diversity (essential).
• Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required (essential).
• Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars (essential).
• Ability to present a positive image of self and the institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the institute (essential).
• Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the institute, ensuring it (essential).

Who We Are

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food‑related disease and human health. We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation. The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Our group investigates how fungal biology connects to gut health and sustainable food systems. We study fungi as key organisms that interact with both the microbiome and the food we eat, influencing human health and nutrition.

Our work has two main strands:

• Fungi and the gut microbiome - We explore how commensal fungi such as Candida albicans adapt to the gut environment and interact with the human host and the bacterial microbiome. Our aim is to understand how these fungi contribute to maintaining health, as well as the mechanisms that allow them to switch to a harmful state and cause disease. A major discovery from the lab is that Candida albicans possesses an active RNAi pathway, and we are working to understand how this regulatory system modulates C. albicans adaptation to the gut.
• Fungi and future foods - We use filamentous fungi to develop new, nutritious, and sustainable foods. In parallel, we study how these fungal‑based foods influence gut health, linking food innovation with microbiome research. By combining fundamental fungal biology with food and microbiome science, our work seeks to uncover how fungi can support healthier people and more sustainable diets.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full‑time post for a contract of 24 months. The role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values of Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence are at the heart of all we do, and we expect all employees to share and display these values. To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. Closing date for applications: 10 February 2026.