About this role
Location: Primarily based on our White City campus with some work at South Kensington.
About the role:
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 join the group of Dr Andrew Edwards 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.
What you would be doing:
You will:
Focus on optimising and supporting high-throughput assays that measure small molecule accumulation in Gram-negative 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, as well as understand the biological factors that influence this. Contribute to a dynamic and ambitious Grand Challenge Project, funded by GSK and the Fleming Initiative. Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, from assay design, small molecule screens and chemical biology and microbiology (Prof Ed Tate) to data science (Dr Marko Storch) and AI/ML (Prof. Alessandra Russo, Prof. Ramon Villar, Prof. Mauricio Barahona). 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. 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:
Master’s degree in bacteriology or related field, or equivalent experience. Experience in working with molecular and/or biochemical assays. Ability to work collaboratively, plan experiments, troubleshoot assays, undertake data analysis, and use safe laboratory working practices. Experience in working with pathogenic bacteria; knowledge of antibiotics and resistance; assay development.
What we can offer you:
Become part of a multidisciplinary team working on one of the major challenges in antibiotic drug discovery. The opportunity to develop your research 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
This is a full-time, fixed-term contract for 30 months.
For further details about the role, please contact: Dr Andrew Edwards – [email protected]