Fleming Initiative Technician in High-Throughput Screening
Following a £45 million pledge from GSK to support the Fleming Initiative’s efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), we are seeking a talented technician to join the team in the group of Professor Ed Tate at Imperial College London. This role will support the generation of high-throughput mass spectrometry (MS) data to power state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models to build a chemical ‘rule book’ for small molecule accumulation in bacteria. The position is available full time, starting in February 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter).
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a significant and growing global health threat, with recent projections estimating that 39 million deaths will be directly attributed to AMR between 2025–2050. Of particular concern are Gram‑negative bacteria which possess two cell membranes, including a hard‑to‑penetrate outer membrane decorated with efficient efflux systems. These structural barriers severely limit intracellular accumulation of antibiotic drugs, rendering many ineffective. Despite a renewed focus on AMR research, there is still limited understanding of how to develop antibiotics that can cross these membranes and accumulate within bacteria. Therefore, a systematic, data‑driven approach is urgently needed to elucidate the chemical ‘rule book’ that determines small molecule penetration and accumulation in bacteria to guide rational design of next generation antibiotics.
What you would be doing
Your role will focus on optimising and delivering high‑throughput cellular screening assays to quantify small molecule accumulation within bacteria. The data generated from these experiments will feed into the development of state‑of‑the‑art Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models to build a chemical ‘rule book’ for small molecule accumulation in bacteria. You will be contributing to a dynamic and ambitious Grand Challenge Project, funded by GSK and the Fleming Initiative, and you will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, from assay design and microbiology (Dr Andrew Edwards) to data science (Dr Marko Storch) and AI/ML (Prof. Alessandra Russo, Prof. Ramon Villar, Prof. Mauricio Barahona). In addition to your research activities, you will support the day‑to‑day running of the laboratory. This includes maintaining equipment, purchasing and organising consumables, disposal of biohazard and chemical waste, participating in laboratory duty rotas, and providing introductory training for new facility users.
The Tate group is culturally diverse and highly multidisciplinary, with project teams encompassing scientists at all levels of experience and from a variety of backgrounds (chemical biology, cell biology, proteomics, cancer biology, drug discovery, etc.). Technicians are expected to engage in the various projects across the Tate group and offer support on an ad‑hoc basis as required outside of their core projects. We are looking for candidates who can thrive in this dynamic and creative environment and take optimal advantage of the many training opportunities it provides.
What we are looking for
Essential criteria for the role include:
* A minimum of a BSc qualification in microbiology, biochemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience.
* Experience in assay development and cellular plate‑based assays.
* Knowledge of high‑throughput assay development, troubleshooting, data analysis, and safe laboratory working practices.
Desirable experience for this role includes one or more of the following: Experience with automated assay workflows and liquid handlers; analysis of large datasets; relevant laboratory management; sample preparation of cellular material for mass spectrometry; knowledge of the AMR field.
What we can offer you
Working within the Tate group would give you the opportunity to work with >60 scientists at all levels from undergraduates to postdoctoral researchers with our state‑of‑the‑art labs in West London. You will be joining a team with an excellent track record in the areas of antimicrobial resistance and drug discovery (https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.01206-22, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2019.06.025, https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.19.671038).
* The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
* Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector‑leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
* Sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Further information
Starting in February 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Full time, fixed term, for up to 30 months in the first instance.
If you require any further details on the role please contact: Professor Ed Tate: e.tate@imperial.ac.uk
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