About the role
Supported by BBSRC funding, we are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the group of Dr Rachel Lai at Imperial College London. This 48-month position, available from January 2027, will investigate how metabolic rewiring and cellular ion fluxes govern innate immune responses and inflammation.
Macrophages are essential sentinels of innate immunity, but their dysregulated activation drives severe inflammatory diseases. Macrophage activation requires the convergence of biophysical and biochemical inputs, including acute metabolic shifts, ionic fluxes and oxidative stress. Working within a dynamic, multi-institutional team, you will employ biological and analytical assays and tools to define the physiological checkpoints that determine how macrophages integrate these stress signals and transition from homeostasis to a proinflammatory state.
What you would be doing
- You will lead studies investigating how metabolic and ionic shifts govern macrophage activation, taking responsibility for experimental planning and execution, data analysis and manuscript preparation. Working closely with members of the Lai group and collaborators across the multi-institutional team, you will develop and apply experimental approaches to deliver the project’s scientific aims.
- You will also supervise and train students, share expertise with colleagues and contribute to the day-to-day running of the laboratory.
- You will present findings at scientific conferences, prepare reports for research funders and contribute to future grant applications.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative scientist with:
- A PhD in Immunology, Physiology, Cell Biology or a closely related discipline.
- Practical experience with primary macrophages or relevant cell-culture models, with strong knowledge of innate immunity and macrophage biology.
- Experience studying immunometabolism or cellular physiology, including functional immunology and biochemical assays.
- Ability to lead independent research and work collaboratively, with experience in experimental planning, data analysis and scientific writing.
Experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable but not essential: measuring cellular ion fluxes or transporter/channel activity, mass spectrometry-based proteomics or metabolomics, bioinformatics or computational analysis of omics datasets, or working with small-animal models. Holding a relevant UK personal licence would also be advantageous.
What we can offer you
- 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.
- As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
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.
Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £45,399 - £48,876 per annum.
This is a full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term post for 48 months.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact Dr Rachel Lai (rachel.lai@imperial.ac.uk)
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert before the stated closing date, should we receive a high volume of applications. Please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you have any general queries about this vacancy, please contact the hiring manager listed in the ‘Further Information’ section. Alternatively, you can contact the Recruitment Hub at recruitmenthub@imperial.ac.uk, and we will be happy to assist you.
If you experience any technical issues that prevent you from submitting an application, please contact our Technical Support team at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk, who will be able to help resolve the issue.
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.
Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.
This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination, and creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages.
Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community.
Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
