Research Associate in Immunology

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Research Associate to join the Osier laboratory within the Department of Life Sciences.

The vision of our laboratory is to “Make Malaria History” through highly effective vaccination. We identified IgG Fc-mediated mechanisms of immunity involving complement, neutrophils, natural killer cells and monocytes and targeting merozoites as important correlates of protection in controlled human malaria infection studies. We are now working to better understand the molecular qualities of such antibodies, combining structural biology, B-cell biology, glycobiology and functional immunology.  We are looking for a researcher who can integrate studies across these fields, ultimately contributing towards better vaccines and immunotherapeutics.

You will contribute to an exciting project funded by the Wellcome Trust that brings together a diverse and international multidisciplinary team that will dissect the precise structural and fine molecular characteristics that lead to the successful control of malaria and may be applicable to other infectious diseases. 

What you would be doing:

You will join an exciting collaborative multidisciplinary team involving structural biologists, B-cell biologists, immunologists and vaccine developers.

You will:

• Focus on B-cell aspects of the project, including cell sorting, functional characterization, monoclonal antibody expression and characterization.
• Integrate data from all arms of the project, epidemiological, immunological, molecular, bioinformatic and structural using samples from controlled human malaria infection studies.
• Generate, analyze and publish new data and contribute to all the activities of the laboratory.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a passionate and driven researcher with:

• Significant experience of molecular techniques (PCR, recombinant protein expression, protein microarrays, monoclonal antibodies, next generation sequencing). 
• Experience in functional immunology will be an added advantage.
• You must have excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills, excellent laboratory and organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise your work in response to deadlines, use your initiative and be able to work independently as well as part of the team. These are all essential.
• You must also have excellent attention to details, good record keeping skills, the ability to learn and apply new techniques and concepts and the commitment to meeting deadlines.  You will be expected to provide training and assistance to others.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at a world-leading institution and contribute to fundamental discoveries in human immunity, pathogen interactions and vaccine development.
• Be part of a highly collaborative and supportive, multidisciplinary research environment, working with leading experts from Imperial College London and globally.
• 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 41 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 full time, fixed term position for up to 3 years. The anticipated start date is 01 September 2026 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: Professor Faith Osier – f.osier@imperial.ac.uk

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