Research Associate in Microbiology

King's College London

Department: Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, King’s College London
Location: Guy’s Campus, London
Contract: Fixed term, 3 years
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

About Us

The Neves Lab is an enthusiastic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary team with a dynamic research culture. Our work focuses on cellular interactions in the gut using organoid models to develop new therapeutic strategies that promote and restore intestinal and systemic health. We are based at King’s College London, steps from London Bridge station.

About the Role

Food allergies are rising globally and affect 8% of children and 10% of adults, often severely impacting quality of life. While immunotherapy can raise reaction thresholds, definitive treatments remain unavailable. Oral exposure to allergens through the gut is tolerogenic, as demonstrated by studies showing reduced peanut allergy following early-life peanut consumption.

This postdoctoral role focuses on immune mechanisms of oral tolerance induction in children undergoing their first oral peanut exposure. Using blood and intestinal immune cells, alongside co-cultures with intestinal organoids, you will explore regulatory processes in the gut.

The role involves close collaboration with the Santos Lab at King’s College London and includes:

• Developing the project and experimental plan
• Maintaining accurate records of experiments
• Analyzing and summarizing results
• Preparing reports and manuscripts
• Contributing to group and departmental activities

About You

Essential Criteria:

• PhD (awarded or near completion) in immunology or related fields
• Relevant lab experience in immunology (preferably lymphocytes), including flow cytometry
• Experience in cell culture techniques
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous work ethic
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Track record of contributing to manuscripts and/or grant applications

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with organoids, particularly hIPSC-derived intestinal organoids
• Knowledge of spectral flow cytometry or imaging mass cytometry
• Experience analyzing scRNAseq data using R
• Work with human blood and/or intestinal samples
• Supervisory or teaching experience

Note: Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis but are awaiting award may be appointed initially as Research Assistant (Grade 5, Spine Point 30), progressing to Research Associate (Grade 6) upon PhD confirmation.

Further Information

King’s College London is committed to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment where everyone belongs. We provide support and guidance throughout the recruitment process.

• Interviews: January 2026
• Visa Sponsorship: Available for candidates without the right to work in the UK

Candidates should submit a CV and supporting statement detailing how they meet the essential criteria. Include evidence for desirable criteria where possible.

For more details, visit King’s College London – How We Recruit.

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