Research Associate

About the role

Inflammatory pathways at barrier sites act as gatekeepers between health and disease. The Odendall Laboratory investigates how immune responses at mucosal barrier sites control infection and how bacteria in turn evolve strategies to subvert these defences. By combining infection models with molecular analysis, we aim to uncover the pathways that determine whether pathogens are eliminated or establish disease.

Among these regulatory nodes are calcium-regulated kinases, including CaMKII, which we and others have found to be activated during infection and targeted by bacterial effectors (Alphonse et al, Cell 2022). Our recent work shows that CaMKII is required for signalling downstream of multiple innate immune receptors, and that its inhibition or deletion in vivo leads to increased bacterial burden and pathology. Together, these findings highlight CaMKII as a central node in the host–pathogen interface.

We are seeking a driven Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong immunology and in vivo infection biology skillset to lead a high-impact project with two key aims:

1. to define the roles of CaMKII isoforms in epithelial and immune cells during infection, and
2. to determine, how loss of CaMKII activity alters host responses, inflammation, and bacterial pathogenesis in mouse models of infection.

The successful candidate will join a team within the Department of Infectious Diseases, a collaborative and supportive environment with strong links across King’s and the Francis Crick Institute.

Applicants should hold a PhD in immunology, infection biology, or a related discipline. Experience with mouse models of infection and/or inflammation is essential. Prior experience with bacterial infection models will be advantageous. A strong interest in innate immunity and host–pathogen interactions, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, are essential. The candidate will be expected to contribute data and writing to peer-reviewed manuscripts and will be supported for applications for independent fellowships towards the end of the post.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for 2 years.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD in immunology, infection biology, or a related discipline *
• Strong research track record, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or preprints
• Demonstrated expertise with mouse models of infection
• Experience with immune analysis techniques (e.g. flow cytometry, cytokine assays)
• Proven ability to design, implement, and analyse experiments independently

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Desirable criteria

• Experience with RNAscope, histopathology, or spatial transcriptomics
• Experience with bacterial infection models (Salmonella, Shigella, or similar)
• Experience with conditional knockout or transgenic mouse lines
• Experience integrating infection biology with transcriptomic/omics approaches
• Experience mentoring or training students

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