Research Assistant in Chemical Glycobiology

About the role

Imperial College London is proud to be part of "AUREUS", an international collaboration consisting of nine leading academic institutions and four prominent industry partners across Europe. Recently awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network grant, the AUREUS network is dedicated to addressing the critical global challenge of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Through pioneering research in advance synthesis, chemical glycobiology, immunology and structural biology and biophysics, the network aims to deepen our understanding of the biosynthesis processes, immune system interactions, and therapeutic potential of S. aureus cell wall glycopolymers, specifically wall teichoic acids (WTA). These groundbreaking insights will pave the way for innovative treatments and novel therapeutic strategies.

The Glycosciences Laboratory funded by Professor Ten Feizi FRS and now led by Dr Yan Liu, houses a state-of-the-art Carbohydrate Microarray Facility, which is an internationally leading operation enabling collaborative studies on glycan interactions with proteins and microbes within the global biomedical community. We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Candidate (DC) to join our ambitious 15-DC AUREUS network team. The successful candidate will benefit from a vibrant international research environment, comprehensive training, and collaboration with leading experts across academia and industry.

Your primary role will be to develop Staphylococcus WTA microarrays and investigate their recognition by lectin receptors of the innate immune system and anti-WTA antibodies. These high-throughput recognition screening studies will identify key WTA recognition fragments, providing insights that will guide further studies using STD NMR, SPR/BLI affinity measurements, and cellular models, within the collaborative framework of the AUREUS network.

This post is analogous to a PhD studentship, and the postholder is expected to fulfil the Departmental and College requirements to obtain a PhD.

What we are looking for

• Background in chemistry, biochemistry, or glycochemistry
• First-class MSc in a relevant subject and a genuine desire to pursue a PhD in Chemical Glycobiology as part of a multidisciplinary consortium
• Knowledge of glycan interactions, glycan binding systems, and ideally immune lectin receptors
• Experience in small-scale organic synthesis and glycan microarray or other array technologies is desirable but not essential
• Strong organizational skills with a well-structured work approach
• Team player, open-minded, and cooperative
• Collaborative mindset in a multidisciplinary, international environment
• Willing to travel for regular multinational network events

The candidate must not have resided in the UK for more than 12 months over the past 3 years by the start of the project

What we can offer you

• Comprehensive training in glycobiology and glycan microarray technology 
• Work in a dynamic, multicultural city with opportunities for EU travel and collaboration
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings for research, training, and transferable skills
• Research career at a world-leading institution
• Competitive salary and remuneration package (39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
• Access to workplace benefits including flexible working, family leave, on-site leisure facilities, and cycle-to-work schemes
• Interest-free season ticket loan for travel in London
• Diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with staff networks and resources supporting your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

This is a Full time Fixed term role based at our Hammersmith Campus.

The postholder will receive a fixed salary per annum of either £42,798.85 per annum (no family allowance) or £48,102.10 per annum (with family allowance)

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Dr Yan Liu (yan.liu2@imperial.ac.uk), Dr Antonio Di Maio (a.di-maio@imperial.ac.uk)

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