"Research Assistant"

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support a project investigating how Salmonella enterica localises within host cells and how this affects immune recognition. The project builds on a recent interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) screen and will involve functional follow-up studies to identify host factors that alter the intracellular fate of Salmonella and influence infection outcomes.

The successful candidate will assist in performing and analysing in vitro experiments using cellular infection models. Techniques may include fluorescence microscopy, basic molecular biology, and immunoassays, as well as standard tissue culture and bacterial handling. While prior experience with all methods is not essential, a willingness to learn and a strong interest in host–pathogen interactions is important.

This role will be based in the Department of Infectious Diseases at King’s College London (Guy’s Campus), under the supervision of Dr Charlotte Odendall. The post-holder will work closely with the PI and other lab members. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a Masters degree in a relevant subject area to develop hands-on experience in infection biology, especially in preparation for further research or PhD study.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for 6-months.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

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

Essential criteria

1. MSc or MRes in a relevant biological science subject (e.g. Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, or Biomedical Sciences)
2. Practical experience with mammalian tissue culture and aseptic techniques
3. Experience with core molecular biology methods (e.g. PCR, Western blotting, ELISA)
4. Familiarity with infection biology or innate immune signalling pathways
5. Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills (e.g. reports, presentations, posters)
6. Ability to manage experimental timelines and work independently with good attention to detail
7. Interest in host–pathogen interactions and immune evasion strategies
8. Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to lab meetings and discussions

Desirable criteria

1. Experience working with intracellular pathogens or infection models
2. Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy or high-throughput screening assays
3. Prior research experience in inflammasome signalling, interferon pathways, or bacterial virulence factors
4. Comfort working with GraphPad Prism, RStudio, or basic bioinformatics tools
5. Familiarity with Salmonella or other Gram-negative pathogens

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.

Grade and Salary: £39,076 - £40,733 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 126145

Close Date: 01-Oct-2025

Contact Person: Charlotte Odendall

Contact Details: Charlotte.odendall@kcl.ac.uk