Supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust, we are seeking a talented post-doctoral research associate to join the team in the group of 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 Klebsiella. The position is available full time, starting in March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter).
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a significant and growing global health threat, with estimating that 39 million deaths will be directly attributed to AMR between 2025–2050. Of particular concern are Gram-negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, 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 Klebsiella to guide rational design of next generation antibiotics
Your role will focus on understanding the biological aspects that influence small molecule accumulation in Klebsiella, for example via the generation of mutant strains. You will also determine the impact of bacterial physiology and strain diversity on accumulation. 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 Klebsiella, as well as understand the biological factors that influence this.
You will be contributing to a dynamic and ambitious global project – the Gr-ADI initiative, funded by Wellcome Trust, that involves several groups around the world. At Imperial, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, across assay design, small molecule screens and chemical biology and microbiology (Prof Ed Tate, Prof Gad Frankel), ‘omics technologies (Dr Matt Child), 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 general aspects of the project such as supervising students and junior staff members, liaising with collaborators, preparing reports and publications, and presenting data at meetings.
The Edwards group is based in the Department of Infectious Disease and the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology and encompasses scientists at all levels of experience. 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.
Essential criteria for the role include:
1. A PhD in bacteriology or related field.
*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £43,863 - £47,223 per annum
2. Experience in genetic manipulation of Gram-negative bacteria.
3. Ability to work collaboratively, experience in experimental planning, troubleshooting, data analysis, and safe laboratory working practices.
Desirable experience for this role includes one or more of the following: Experience in studying membrane biology and/or efflux systems in Gram-negative bacteria, especially, Klebsiella, knowledge of antibiotics and resistance, development of high-throughput assays and an understanding of AI/ML-based approaches to studying biology or chemistry.
4. Become part of a multidisciplinary team working on one of the major challenges in antibiotic drug discovery.
5. The opportunity to develop your research career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
6. Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
7. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
8. Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various and resources to support your personal and professional .