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: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security through innovative plant research.
- 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: SONICOM
Imperial College London offers an exceptional environment for research associates in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering, providing access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative culture that fosters innovation. With comprehensive training opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can expect to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to impactful scientific advancements. The generous remuneration package, including 41 days of annual leave, ensures a rewarding work-life balance in a world-leading institution.
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 people in the field of plant sciences and synthetic biology. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups to connect with potential colleagues and mentors. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your research projects, publications, and any relevant experience. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps us see your passion for plant immune receptors and bioengineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of plant immunity and molecular biology techniques. We love candidates who can discuss their understanding of NLR biology and how it relates to the work we do at the Kourelis lab.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Imperial College London.
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 biochemistry. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about bioengineering plant immune receptors and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at the Kourelis lab.
Showcase Your Research Experience:If you've published papers or presented at conferences, make sure to mention these achievements. We love seeing candidates who are proactive in sharing their research and contributing to the scientific community!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our diverse and collaborative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in plant synthetic biology and immune receptor engineering. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like NLR biology and effector biology, as well as recent publications from the Kourelis lab. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with molecular biology and biochemistry techniques. Be ready to provide specific examples of projects you've worked on, especially those involving techniques like Gibson Assembly and Golden Gate cloning. Highlight any relevant bioinformatics skills or willingness to learn, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role involves working both independently and as part of a team, think of examples that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss any experiences where you’ve trained or assisted junior researchers, as this will demonstrate your leadership potential and commitment to fostering a supportive lab environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Kourelis lab's current projects, future directions, and the collaborative culture at Imperial College London. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the position but also helps you assess if the lab is the right fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to leave a lasting impression!
