Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering

Research Associate in Plant Synthetic Biology and Immune Receptor Engineering

Do you want to bioengineer plant immune receptors to enhance disease resistance in crops? Join the Kourelis laboratory in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London on a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant‑funded project that integrates protein biochemistry, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics.

The Kourelis lab studies fundamental questions in plant–microbe interactions, focusing on the function and evolution of plant immune receptors. The goal of the lab is to use this knowledge to bioengineer disease resistance genes tailored to diverse challenges (Kourelis et al., Science 2023; Marchal et al., Curr. Opin. Plant Biol. 2022).

• Engineer plant NLR immune receptors using techniques including Gibson Assembly and Golden Gate cloning.
• Perform high‑throughput functional characterisation of bioengineered immune receptors.
• Develop bioinformatics expertise alongside the wet‑lab work. Training in computational methods will be provided.
• Publish first‑author papers and present at international conferences.
• Contribute to lab teaching and supervision of project students.

• A PhD (or equivalent) in plant sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
• Willingness to develop bioinformatics expertise alongside the wet‑lab work.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; training and assistance of more junior researchers is expected.
• Knowledge of plant immunity, NLR biology, or effector biology is desirable, not essential.

• Comprehensive training in synthetic biology, biochemistry, plant–pathogen interactions, and bioinformatics, preparing you for a future career in academia or industry.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a network of international collaborators.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• A diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term position for up to 3 years. The anticipated start date is 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a diverse team.