About the role

We are looking to appoint a Research Associate to join the Osier laboratory within the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London.

Our laboratory’s vision is to “make malaria history” through highly effective vaccination. We have identified IgG Fc-mediated immune mechanisms involving complement, neutrophils, natural killer cells, monocytes, and merozoite targeting as important correlates of protection in controlled human malaria infection studies. We are now working to better understand the molecular characteristics of these antibodies, by combining structural biology, B cell biology, glycobiology, and functional immunology. We are looking for a researcher who can integrate studies in these areas, and contribute to improving vaccines and immunotherapies.

You will contribute to an exciting project funded by the Wellcome Trust which brings together a diverse, international, multidisciplinary team that will dissect the precise structural and molecular features that lead to successful control of malaria and may be applicable to other infectious diseases.

what would you do

You will join an exciting interdisciplinary collaborative team including structural biologists, B cell biologists, immunologists and vaccine developers. You will focus on the B cell aspects of the project, including cell sorting, functional characterization, and expression and characterization of monoclonal antibodies. It will integrate data from all parts of the project, including previously collected epidemiological and immunological data from a controlled human malaria infection study. You will generate, analyze and publish new data and contribute to all laboratory activities. You will also be involved in teaching and supervising students.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an enthusiastic and enthusiastic researcher with:

• Must have significant experience in molecular techniques (PCR, recombinant protein expression, protein microarrays, monoclonal antibodies, next generation sequencing).
• Experience in functional immunology will be an added advantage.
• You must have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, excellent laboratory and organizational skills, the ability to prioritize your work in response to deadlines, use your initiative, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team are all essential.
• You must have excellent attention to detail, good record-keeping skills, the ability to learn and apply new techniques and concepts and a commitment to meeting deadlines. You will be expected to provide training and assistance to others.

What can we offer you

• The opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at a world-leading institution and contribute to fundamental discoveries in plant immunity and pathogen interactions.
• Be part of a highly collaborative and supportive interdisciplinary research environment, working with leading experts from Imperial College London.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced imaging platforms, protein biochemistry, gene editing tools, and cryo-EM technologies.
• Career development opportunities, including access to Imperial’s dedicated researcher development programmes, leadership training and mentoring schemes.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including 41 days annual leave and a generous pension scheme.
• A diverse, inclusive and supportive work culture, with access to employee networks and resources to enhance personal and professional wellbeing.

More information

This is a full-time, fixed-term position effective 05 January 2026 for 3 years.

Candidates who have not yet obtained a doctoral degree will be formally appointed as a research assistant.

If you require further details about the role, please contact:

Professor Faith Osier – f.osier@Imperial.ac.uk

Available documents

The attached documents are available under the links.