Research Associate

About the role:

The Billerbeck and Ledesma Amaro Labs in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London – the UK’s leading Bioengineering department – have an open position for a joint Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fungal Pathogen Genetics/Engineering Biology/Single-Cell Analysis. The position is part of a Wellcome Trust-funded multi-PI initiative to develop an artificial intelligence-driven antifungal drug discovery platform for the high-priority pathogen Candida auris.

This PDRA will lead efforts for essential gene prediction and verification via large CRISPR screens, and study population heterogeneity via single-cell sequencing, including tool and assay development for Candida auris.

What you would be doing:

You will conduct world-class research by helping to build this antifungal drug discovery platform. The role is interdisciplinary and involves bioinformatics, yeast genetics, CRISPR tool development, competitive growth assays in small-scale bioreactors, Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and single-cell assay development and analysis.

What we are looking for:

You will be responsible for conducting the research associated with one of the work packages in the grant and taking the initiative in the planning and execution of the proposed research. You will identify and develop suitable designs, methodologies and approaches for the collection and analysis of data, ensuring the validity and reliability of data at all times. Additionally, you will work collaboratively with the multi-PI consortium, which will include presenting and discussing your findings, exchanging ideas, learning, and implementing new techniques and approaches where necessary. You will be encouraged to present your research at international conferences and expected to submit publications to refereed journals as well as project reports to the research sponsor. You will also assist in the supervision of both undergraduate and postgraduate research students.

Essential requirements

• A PhD in (bio)engineering, yeast genetics, engineering biology/synthetic biology, natural sciences, biological sciences or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
• Practical experience within a research environment, publication(s) in relevant (refereed) journals and experience of dealing with e.g., collaborators, sponsors
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including molecular biology (e.g. cloning, genome engineering), bioinformatics/analysis of large data sets, NGS, microbiological culturing, assay and/or tool development.
• Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
• The ability to develop and apply new concepts, a creative approach to problem-solving

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

*Please note, if you are yet to receive your PhD you will be appointed as Research Assistant on salary scale £45,399 - £48,876

This is a full-time, fixed term post for 48 months and is expected to start January 1st 2027.

For further information on the post, please contact Dr. Sonja Billerbeck (s.billerbeck@imperial.ac.uk) or Prof. Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro

(r.ledesma-amaro@imperial.ac.uk)

For more information about Bioengineering at Imperial College London please visit: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/bioengineering/.