Research Associate in Functional Genomics and Antifungal Target Discovery (Candida auris)

We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary team building an AI-driven antifungal drug discovery platform targeting Candida auris, a World Health Organization critical priority fungal pathogen.

Funded by the Wellcome Trust and delivered in partnership with the Fleming Initiative, GSK, the University of Dundee and the Cultivarium, this project combines chemoproteomics, CRISPR-based functional genomics and machine learning to identify novel, druggable antifungal targets with minimal human toxicity risk. The post offers an exceptional opportunity to work at the interface of fungal genetics, chemical biology and AI-driven drug discovery, contributing to a programme tackling rising antifungal resistance.

• Lead chemoproteomic profiling of cysteine reactivity in Candida auris to identify druggable, electrophile-sensitive sites.
• Develop and apply CRISPR-based oligo recombineering (CORe) to functionally annotate candidate drug targets.
• Design and deliver high-throughput CRISPR knockout screens to define gene essentiality across C. auris clades.
• Collaborate with computational colleagues to integrate genomic, chemoproteomic and machine learning datasets for target prioritisation.
• Contribute to evolutionary and toxicity profiling of prioritised targets to inform target selection.
• Work closely with collaborating groups across Imperial, the University of Dundee, GSK and the Cultivarium.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication, present findings at conferences, and contribute to grant development.
• Support supervision of the project's Research Assistant and students in the laboratory.

For a full person specification, please see the job description

• As a Research Associate in the Department of Infectious Disease, you will benefit from a highly supportive, internationally recognised research environment and exceptional opportunities for scientific and career development. We offer:
• World-class research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities including advanced flow cytometry platforms, CL2 mycology laboratories, and computational infrastructure for multi-omic data analysis.
• Integration within a vibrant multidisciplinary team spanning fungal biology, immunology, systems biology, and clinical infectious diseases.

• Tailored development plans and regular mentoring by senior investigators.
• Opportunities to attend internal and external training courses, including advanced microscopy, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, machine learning, and leadership development.
• Support for presenting your work at national and international conferences and for contributing to publications and grant proposals.
• Experience supervising MSc and PhD students, building your teaching and mentorship portfolio.

• Close collaboration with the Dundee Drug Discovery Unit, GSK's AI/ML and anti-infectives drug discovery teams, and the Cultivarium synthetic biology incubator.
• Opportunities to engage with the Fleming Initiative, UKRI consortia, and international fungal research networks.
• Competitive salary, sector-leading benefits, and career development support.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
• Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including generous leave and pension schemes)
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel
• To be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Full-time, fixed-term contract for 3 years in the first instance. Expected start date: January 2027.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £45,399 - £48,876 per annum.

To discuss please contact Darius Armstrong-James (d.armstrong@imperial.ac.uk). See the job descriptions for more specifics. Email addresses for enquiries only. CV and cover letter must be submitted via the online HR portal as detailed below.