Research Associate

The Edwards group seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to elucidate the mechanism by which polymyxin antibiotics kill bacteria, how resistance is conferred and approaches to enhance treatment efficacy.

Polymyxin antibiotics target lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in both the outer and inner membranes of important Gram-negative pathogens such as E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Polymyxin E (colistin) is commonly used to treat chronic P. aeruginosa infection in people with cystic fibrosis and there is increasing use of polymyxins as drugs of last resort for infections caused by multi-drug-resistant pathogens. Whilst it is well established that polymyxins bind LPS, the mechanism(s) by which this leads to bacterial killing are largely unknown. This project will address this gap in understanding, as well as provide insight into mechanisms of polymyxin resistance.

New insight into polymyxin mode of action is expected to help develop new ways to enhance the efficacy of these antibiotics, as well as inform the development of new treatments that target the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria.

This work is funded by the BBSRC and involves collaboration with colleagues at Imperial, Genentech, The University of Nottingham and UCL.

You will be part of the Edwards group and based at the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology (CBRB), Imperial College London, which is home to over 20 groups studying bacterial AMR, pathogenesis, immunity and microbiota.

You will be expected to undertake project management, supervision and interact with research technicians, masters’, and PhD students within the group. It is also expected that you will draft manuscripts arising from your findings.

The project will employ techniques at the molecular, biochemical and microbiological level. The post holder should have knowledge and expertise in these areas, be curiosity driven and enjoy challenges.

You will be responsible for leading the research and should be willing to take the initiative in experimental design, execution, and data analysis.

You will:

• identify suitable methodologies for the collection and analysis of data
• ensure the validity and reliability of data
• use molecular biology, bacteriological and biochemical approaches
• present findings to collaborators, colleagues and at conferences
• submit findings for publication in refereed journals
• take initiative in the planning of research, with clear and timely communications to the group leader and relevant researchers.
• supervise both undergraduate and postgraduate research students.
• work alongside other staff in shared laboratory space.
• maintain highly organised and accurate records of experimental work.
• undertake appropriate scientific and professional training.

• Research associate: You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in biochemistry, microbiology, and/or microbiology or a closely related discipline.


• Research assistant: Near completion of a PhD (or equivalent) in biochemistry, microbiology or a closely related discipline. You will progress to Research associate upon award of your PhD.


• You will also have a strong track record, evidenced by e.g. publication of original scientific work in refereed journals, relative to your career stage.


• Experience in microbiology and working with class II pathogens.


• Practical experience in general molecular microbiology approaches.


• Practical experience in general biochemical approaches.

This is a Full Time and Fixed Term post for 3 years based at the South Kensington Campus.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £40,694 - £43,888 per annum.

Interested applicants who want to discuss the role are encouraged to contact Andrew Edwards at [email protected] . Please note that this email address is for enquiries only and you should not send your application to this email. CV and covering letter should be submitted via the online application as detailed below.

More information on research in the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology (CBRB) can be found at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/centre-for-bacterial-resistance-biology/about-us/

For technical issues when applying online please email [email protected]