Postdoctoral Research Associate in Innate Immunity and Infection

About the Role

Applications are invited for an exciting Postdoctoral Research Assistant position investigating how the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) enables the enteric pathogen Campylobacter jejuni to compete, colonise and interact with the host. This project will uncover how T6SS-associated virulence effectors shape bacterial fitness, microbial competition and innate immune responses within the intestine. The successful candidate will combine molecular microbiology and infection biology with advanced avian and human intestinal models, including 2D/3D culture systems and organ-on-chip technologies, to uncover mechanisms of pathogen adaptation and persistence in physiologically relevant environments.

About you

We are seeking an ambitious and highly motivated researcher with a strong interest in bacterial pathogenesis and host–microbe interactions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Immunology, Infection Biology, Microbiology, or a related discipline
• Strong research experience in bacterial pathogenesis, host–pathogen interactions, molecular microbiology, or infection biology
• Practical expertise in bacterial infection models and molecular microbiology techniques
• Knowledge of innate immunity, microbial competition, bacterial secretion systems, or virulence mechanisms
• Experience with intestinal epithelial models, organoids, 3D culture or organ-on-chip systems would be advantageous
• The ability to drive independent research, analyse complex data, communicate findings clearly, and contribute effectively to a collaborative research environment

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

 The project will be based within the William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI), an internationally recognised centre for research in immunity, inflammation, infection, and disease mechanisms. The host laboratory combines microbiology, immunology, and bioengineering to investigate bacterial pathogenesis, microbial competition, and host defence in the intestinal environment.

The project will involve access to advanced microbiology, cell culture, flow cytometry, imaging, and organ-on-chip technologies, together with collaboration with the Enterics Research Team at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). This provides an interdisciplinary environment spanning microbial pathogenesis, intestinal biology, mucosal immunology, and infection research.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.