Postdoctoral Research Associate – Bacterial Infection Biology

GBS diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. The molecular basis and infection processes of these diseases remain to be fully determined. We strive to decipher the molecular processes that drive GBS to cause adult invasive, principally the mechanisms utilised to evade and/or manipulate the immune responses.

About the role:

We are seeking a forward-thinking, passionate and ambitious Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore the host-pathogen interactions that shape adult invasive infections by the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae (also known as Group B Streptococcus or GBS).

This post is funded by an MRC grant awarded to Dr Alex McCarthy, which aims to characterise the biological functions of the GBS and human CEACAM1 receptor interactions. This will be achieved by utilising cellular and ex vivo tissue infection models.

What you would be doing:

You will be performing cutting edge research combining molecular, microbiological, cellular and tissue-infection based approaches to contribute to an advanced understanding of invasive GBS diseases. You will be based in the group of Dr Alex McCarthy in the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology (CBRB), and in the Section of Molecular Microbiology within the Department of Infectious Diseases (DoID) at Imperial College London. You research will address questions on the functional properties on the interactions of GBS with human inhibitory receptors, and specifically how this may regulate anti-bacterial immune responses and promote bacterial infection.

You will be expected to take a lead in planning and designing the studies (with support from the PI). You will take initiative in the planning of research. You will have clear and timely communication with the Group leader and work closely with researchers within the group. As part of your development, you will attend and actively contribute to relevant workshops, lab meetings, research seminars and conferences in Imperial and the wider community. You will supervise both undergraduate and postgraduate research students. 

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with research interests in bacterial infection biology. Applicants must have:

• hold a PhD in bacterial infection biology or host-pathogen interactions, or a closely related area.
• have experience of performing research using techniques relevant to bacteriology, host-pathogen interactions and/or bacterial infection biology.
• have experience in a broad range of molecular biology, biochemical and/or cell biology techniques.
• possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• have published your research in relevant and refereed journals.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to contribute to innovation in bacterial infection biology.
• Training in complementary aspects of bacterial infection biology in the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology.
• The opportunity to collaborate with other researchers and PhD students in the Group of Dr Alex McCarthy.
• 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 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

The post is full time and fixed-term contract for 2 years with potential for renewal, based at the South Kensington campus.

For more information about this role, please contact: Alex McCarthy (a.mccarthy@imeprial.ac.uk)

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