Research Associate in Plant Immunity and Pathogen Interactions

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

Are you passionate about uncovering the secrets of plant immunity? We are seeking a Research Associate to join an exciting, multidisciplinary project funded by a prestigious UKRI SLoLA award. Working at the forefront of molecular plant-pathogen interactions, you will investigate how immune-related trafficking in plants is manipulated by pathogen effectors, contributing to groundbreaking research that could revolutionize crop protection and food security.

What you would be doing:

As a Research Associate in Plant Immunity and Pathogen Interactions, you will play a key role in uncovering how plant immune systems detect and respond to pathogens. Your research will focus on immune-related trafficking and how pathogen effectors manipulate these pathways to promote infection. You will use cutting-edge techniques, including live-cell imaging, Protein biochemistry, Advanced AI-tools and structural biology, to dissect key molecular interactions.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team as part of a BBSRC-SLoLA project, collaborating with leading researchers across the UK. Your contributions will help advance fundamental bioscience and develop new strategies to enhance plant disease resistance, ultimately impacting global food security.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a passionate and driven researcher with:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in molecular biology, plant immunity, or protein biochemistry.
• Strong skills in imaging techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy) and protein-protein interaction studies.
• Knowledge of vesicle trafficking, immune receptors, and pathogen effector functions.
• A collaborative mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with a track record of publishing high-quality research.
• Proven experience in molecular biology
• Proven experience in structural biology
• Proven experience in protein biochemistry
• Proven experience in employing AI-tools for protein complex and structure prediction
• Experience in protein-protein interactions (co-immunoprecipitation of proteins)
• Experience with molecular cloning methods (Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate cloning etc)
• Experience with in vitro protein-protein interactions
• Experience in confocal microscopy
• Experience in transient expression systems in N. benthamiana
• Experience in protein purification, protein-protein interactions or cell biology is advantageous.
• Familiarity with CRISPR-based gene editing, bioinformatics, or AI-driven protein modelling is a plus.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at a world-leading institution and contribute to fundamental discoveries in plant immunity and pathogen interactions.
• Be part of a highly collaborative and supportive, multidisciplinary research environment, working with leading experts from Imperial College London, the University of Dundee, the James Hutton Institute, the Sainsbury Laboratory University of Cambridge (SLCU).
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced imaging platforms, protein biochemistry, gene editing tools, and Cryo-EM techniques.
• Career development opportunities, including access to Imperial’s dedicated researcher development programs, leadership training, and mentoring schemes.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including 39 days of annual leave and a generous pension scheme.
• A diverse, inclusive, and supportive work culture, with access to staff networks and resources to enhance both personal and professional well-being.

Further Information:

This is a three-year, full-time, fixed-term position from 1st July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Dr Tolga Bozkurt – o.bozkurt@imperial.ac.uk

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