"Research Associate in Structural Biology"

Imperial College London - Department of Life Sciences

Placed On: 10th February 2026

Closes: 24th February 2026

Job Ref: NAT02132

About the role:

The Bubeck laboratory (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/d.bubeck) in the Department of Life Sciences (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/life-sciences), Imperial College London, is looking to recruit a Research Associate with high level of expertise in protein biochemistry and structural biology. Additional expertise in microbiology is very suited for the position. This post, funded by the BBSRC, aims to uncover how Bacteroides strains antagonize competitors to compete in the intestinal microbiome. The project’s primary objective is to discover 1) the molecular mechanism of target specificity and 2) how pore forming effectors kill susceptible strains.

You will join an exciting interdisciplinary team of structural biologists, membrane biophysicists and microbiologists to tackle longstanding question in integrative microbiome research. The project focuses on cryo electron microscopy-based studies of B. fragilis effectors within the context of a series of model membrane systems. The research builds on the lab’s strong track-record in structural biology of pore-forming proteins and is closely linked with research activities of Ravinash Krishna Kumar at Imperial College London.

What you would be doing:

You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in structural biology, ideally with experience in cryo electron microscopy. You must have a strong research track record in studying protein-protein and protein-membrane complexes preferably demonstrated by first author publications in international journals. Experience in the design and execution of workflow for structure determination of proteins or cellular systems from sample preparation to acquisition and analysis of structural biology data.

What we are looking for:

You must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be able to write clearly and succinctly for publication. You must also be able to relate well with others, form positive relationships with a wide range of people and to work as part of a team, as well as independently. The ability to develop and apply new concepts and have a creative approach to problem-solving, to set and attain research objectives in a multidisciplinary team are also essential.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment available for up to 36 months.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Professor Doryen Bubeck – d.bubeck@imperial.ac.uk