Postdoctoral Research Associate in Innate Immunity and Infection at Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Innate Immunity and Infection at the William Harvey Research Institute, based at QM London. The closing date is 19 November 2026, 23:55 (UK time).

Job Details

Organization: Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

Faculty: Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

Institute: William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI)

Opportunity ID: 11539

Job Type: Full-time (35 hours per week, 1.0 FTE)

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months

Location: QM London, William Harvey Research Institute, QMUL, London, UK

Salary: £39,187 – £47,550 per annum

Closing Date: 19 November 2026, 23:55 (UK time)

Project Details

Project Summary: The postholder will investigate how the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) enables the enteric pathogen Campylobacter jejuni to compete, colonise and interact with the host. The project will uncover how T6SS-associated virulence effectors shape bacterial fitness, microbial competition and innate immune responses within the intestine.

Approach: The researcher will combine molecular microbiology and infection biology with advanced avian and human intestinal models, including 2D/3D culture systems and organ-on-chip technologies, to uncover mechanisms of pathogen adaptation and persistence in physiologically relevant environments.

Eligibility Criteria

The candidate profile stated on the listing:

  • A PhD (or near completion) in Immunology, Infection Biology, Microbiology or a related discipline.
  • Strong research experience in bacterial pathogenesis, host–pathogen interactions, molecular microbiology or infection biology.
  • Practical expertise in bacterial infection models and molecular microbiology techniques.
  • Knowledge of innate immunity, microbial competition, bacterial secretion systems or virulence mechanisms.
  • Experience with intestinal epithelial models, organoids, 3D culture or organ-on-chip systems is advantageous.
  • Ability to drive independent research, analyse complex data, communicate findings clearly and contribute to a collaborative environment.

Experience: Postdoctoral entry role – no minimum number of years is stated beyond the doctorate (Freshers eligible as recent doctorates, including those near PhD completion).

How to Apply

Closing Date: 19 November 2026, 23:55 (UK time)

Contact: Dr Ezra Aksoy ([email protected])

Additional Information

Benefits listed by QMUL:

  • Generous pension scheme
  • 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata)
  • Season ticket loan scheme
  • Professional development
  • Flexible, family-friendly working policies

About William Harvey Research Institute

WHRI is an internationally recognised centre for research in immunity, inflammation, infection and disease mechanisms. The host laboratory combines microbiology, immunology and bioengineering to study bacterial pathogenesis, microbial competition and host defence in the intestine, with access to advanced microbiology, cell culture, flow cytometry, imaging and organ-on-chip technologies, and collaboration with the Enterics Research Team at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

The closing date for applications is 19 November 2026, 23:55 (UK time).