Postdoctoral Research Associate in ...

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry – INTERNAL ONLY – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY About Us The Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (IPS) at KCL supports world‑class fundamental and applied research across the full spectrum of pharmaceutical science, from drug discovery through biophysical and biological characterization, pharmacology, formulation, drug delivery and use of medicines, with a strong culture of multi‑disciplinary collaboration and links to clinical colleagues evidenced by awards of major grants from organisations such as MRC, BBSRC and NC3Rs. The medicinal chemistry laboratory of IPS has been recently refurbished and modernised with new equipment and facilities, and the selected candidate will be based at the medicinal chemistry laboratory at Franklin Wilkins Building. About The Role The rise of multidrug‑resistant fungal pathogens poses an increasing threat to public health, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as cancer patients or the elderly. Species like Candida albicans and Candida auris have developed resistance to multiple classes of antifungal agents, severely limiting treatment options. One of the key mechanisms driving this resistance involves efflux pumps, complex molecular systems that actively transport antifungal drugs out of fungal cells, lowering drug concentrations to non‑lethal levels and rendering standard therapies ineffective. This project aims to understand the role of these efflux pumps in Candida auris and related species, focusing on how they interact with other cellular resistance mechanisms to produce high levels of drug tolerance. Building on previous discoveries of efflux‑resistant azole compounds that remain active against multidrug‑resistant strains, the project will employ these molecules as investigative tools to map efflux pump function and identify those most critical for clinical drug resistance. Using cutting‑edge genome editing techniques, the study will manipulate or silence key efflux pump genes to evaluate how these systems respond to novel efflux‑resistant antifungals. Further validation will be carried out to assess how these compounds perform in vivo. The insights gained will guide the rational design of next‑generation antifungal agents that can evade efflux mechanisms, offering new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of multidrug‑resistant fungal infections. Applicants should be educated to PhD level, and have a good working knowledge of organic synthesis and the purification and characterisation of intermediates using different chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as preparative HPLC, HPLC/MS, NMR and IR. The Research Fellow will have an active interest in medicinal chemistry and will be expected to interact with external collaborators to realise the potential of this high‑impact project. This is a full‑time post, and you will be offered a fixed‑term contract until 31/12/2028. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS (Photonics & Nanotechnology) About Us A post‑doctoral research associate position is available at the Photonics & Nanotechnology group, Physics Department, King's College London, funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant “Catalysis meets plasmonics: New perspectives in photocatalysis and near‑surface chemistry” – a collaboration between King’s College London, Imperial College London and UK Catalysis Hub. The research in the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group involves the development and applications of advanced photonic technologies and novel nanomaterials to address modern challenges in sustainability, nonlinear optics, photonic and quantum technologies, new nanostructured materials, sensing, imaging and clean energy. The group adopts an interdisciplinary approach to provide leading‑edge research in optical, mechanical and structural properties of nanostructures and nanoparticles, and their applications. We combine expertise in nanofabrication, photochemistry, laser science, nonlinear optics, sensing, advanced imaging techniques and numerical modelling. About the role A successful candidate will join the EPSRC funded project “Catalysis meets plasmonics: New perspectives in photocatalysis and near‑surface chemistry” and will work on fabrication and experimental investigations of novel nanostructures for plasmonic catalysis and sensing based on nanoporous materials and super‑crystals. We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with previous experience in fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures, their optical characterisation and application in sensing, photocatalysis and photo‑electrocatalysis. The candidate will collaborate with the project partners at Imperial College London and UK Catalysis Hub, as well as with industry project partners. The post holder will engage in internationally‑leading research and take a role in determining the future path of this research. Furthermore, the role holder will be responsible for the supervision of PhD and MSc students working on related topics. This position offers an excellent opportunity to further develop expertise in a rapidly advancing field, while also gaining experience in managing research activities and mentoring junior researchers. Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Zayats via email. This is a full‑time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed‑term contract until 31/12/2027. Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro‑rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information. Postdoctoral Research Associate (META4D) – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS About Us A post‑doctoral research associate position is available at the Photonics & Nanotechnology group, Physics Department, King's College London, funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant “Next Generation Metamaterials: Exploiting Four Dimensions (META4D)” – a collaboration between King’s College London, Imperial College London and University of Exeter. The research in the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group involves the development and applications of advanced photonic technologies and novel nanomaterials to address modern challenges in photonic and quantum technologies, new nanostructured materials, sensing, imaging and clean energy. The group adopts an interdisciplinary approach to provide leading‑edge research in optical, mechanical and structural properties of nanostructures and nanoparticles. We combine expertise in nanofabrication, laser science, nonlinear optics, sensing, advanced imaging techniques and numerical modelling. About the role A successful candidate will join the EPSRC‑funded Programme Grant “Next Generation Metamaterials: Exploiting Four Dimensions (META4D):” The role involves conducting experimental research on topological light fields, topological metamaterials and related nonlinear optical phenomena. We are seeking a motivated and skilled researcher with prior experience in vortex beams and nonlinear spectroscopy. The candidate will collaborate closely with project partners at Imperial College London and the University of Exeter, as well as with industry collaborators. The post holder will contribute to internationally leading research and play an active role in shaping the future direction of the project. Additionally, they will be responsible for supervising PhD and MSc students working on related topics. This position offers an excellent opportunity to advance expertise in a rapidly evolving field, while also gaining experience in managing research activities and mentoring junior researchers. Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Zayats via email. This is a full‑time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed‑term contract until 31/12/2028. Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro‑rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information. Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cardiac Biology & Imaging – INTERNAL ONLY – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY About Us Located in the heart of London, King’s is the hub of a global network of strong academic connections and collaboration, with prestigious international partnerships within and across disciplines – scientific and medical, social and creative. King’s is investing in the highest calibre of talent to drive the university forward to achieve its greatest potential. About the role This exciting postdoctoral position is funded by the MRC/BHF Centre for Advanced Cardiac Therapies (REACT). The research aims to explore whether the administration of factors inhibiting the TGFβ/BMP pathways counter‑act post‑myocardial fibrosis and favour cardiac regeneration and whether this effect is exerted through the inhibition of lysyl oxidase and collagen cross‑linking. The project has four main aims: To determine whether extracellular TFGβ/BMP inhibitors increase cardiomyocyte proliferation induced by miRNAs; To assess whether TFGβ/BMP inhibitors regulate collagen deposition and cross‑linking, and affect LOX/LOXL expression and activity in cardiac fibroblasts; To determine whether AAV9‑mediated expression of TFGβ/BMP inhibitors affect LOX/LOXL expression and activity, and collagen cross‑linking in a murine model after myocardial infarction; To assess whether the antifibrotic activity of extracellular TFGβ/BMP inhibitors favours miRNA‑induced myocardial regeneration in mice. The postholder will be part REACT, a vibrant multi‑disciplinary research centre operating across King’s College London, University of Oxford and University of Edinburgh, having the overall aim to develop transformational therapies for cardiac repair and regeneration. This is a full‑time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed‑term contract for 2 years or until 30/11/2027. Research Associate – INTERNAL ONLY – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS THIS IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY About Us The Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC) at King’s College London is looking for one highly enthusiastic research scientists to drive research projects. The CCC is pleased to invite applications for an 18‑month John Clitherow Fellowship. This generously funded opportunity is made possible by a bequest from the late John Clitherow and has been designed to enable a final‑year PhD student within the CCC to increase the impact of their PhD and develop their next career steps post‑viva. About The Role This competitive award will support up to 18 months of salary for the successful individual and will contribute to their planned project costs. The intention of the award is to enhance the candidate’s competitiveness for post‑doctoral fellowships in either commercial or academic sectors through the completion and publication of original research generated during their PhD, and/or the generation of preliminary data. We envisage year one to cover the work required to submit a manuscript and year two to cover peer‑review revision work and the generation of preliminary data to support the planned fellowship applications. This is a full‑time post and you will be offered a fixed‑term contract for up to 18 months. This will be a Grade 6 role upon successful completion of PhD Viva. Eligible student applicants must be in the final year of their degree. Can interested applicants please contact Alan Ramsay describing their thesis submission date. Applicants should submit a proposal document (4 pages maximum) that includes: 1. A summary of their PhD project, outputs and achievements to date; 2. The proposed objectives and research plan (with milestones) and development during the 18‑month fellowship; 3. The candidate’s planned fellowship/career applications after this award and how they believe the John Clitherow Fellowship will enhance their competitiveness for these schemes. Supporting statements should be provided by the candidate’s two PhD supervisors and their PhD committee chair. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS (Computational Muscle Biology) About Us The Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences (CHAPS) is situated within the School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, which is led by Professor Mathias Gautel and comprises five departments with a wide range of expertise and interests. Using a bench‑to‑bedside approach, the School aims to answer fundamental questions about biology in health and disease and apply this knowledge to the development of new and innovative clinical practice. About the role Dr Seaborne’s group investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning muscle biology, in the context of health and disease. His lab’s interests have begun to explore the analysis of multi‑molecule data sets to understand how striated muscle is regulated during health, disease and stress‑response contexts. The successful candidate will lead computational laboratory analysis work across multiple projects, largely focusing on the perturbation of skeletal muscle cells (myofibres) during periods of environmental and/or genetic influence (ageing, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sex differences…) and in the analysis of single myofibre data sets. Importantly, the candidate will be required to use current and bespoke computational and bioinformatic pipelines to analyse these data sets, as well as possibly modify or develop their own approaches to reliably and accurately analyse these data. This is a 12‑month full‑time on‑campus position (Guys Campus, London Bridge) starting no earlier than 2 February 2026. Postdoctoral Research Associate (Mental Health and Younger Generations) – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS (x 2) About Us Our ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health is a cross‑Faculty initiative between the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy (SSPP) and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN). To help us complete this work, we are looking for 2 Research Associates to join us at the IoPPN and help ensure we meet our commitments. About the role We are looking for two highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researchers to work with Prof Craig Morgan and team on the exciting next phase of the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health Younger Generations Programme, at the IoPPN in King's College London. You will work with a friendly, supportive, passionate, and hard‑working group to undertake statistical analysis of quantitative data to test hypotheses on various aspects of mental health and younger generations. We are multi‑disciplinary and place great value on working with young people from diverse backgrounds to deliver relevant, engaging, inclusive, and impactful research. The overall aims of the next phase of our Younger Generations Programme are to maximise outputs from the first phase, consolidate and extend ongoing research, and establish a schools health research network. Core activities to deliver these aims include analysing data and producing outputs from our ongoing REACH programme, conducting comparative analyses with other regional and national data sets, and supporting the development of a south London schools health research network, with the King’s Maudsley Partnership for Children and Young People. The two post‑doctoral Associates will work on all aspects of the programme, but with differences in emphasis. (1) One post‑holder will primarily lead on analyses of REACH data, including comparative analyses with other regional and national data sets. REACH is a south London‑based cohort study of around 4,500 young people initially aged 11‑14 years with extension data on mental health at 7 time points. (2) One post‑holder will both lead analyses of REACH data (~ 40 %) and lead on supporting the development of the schools health research network (~ 40 %); both post‑holders will contribute ~ 20 % of their time to the delivery of teaching at the IoPPN. This may include teaching on a module and supervising student dissertations. In addition, we are keen to support postholders with career development and there is an expectation that each will develop independent research, including fellowship applications, with the support of the Centre. We will support this with personalised training, support, and development plans. We are looking for two highly motivated and ambitious post‑docs with relevant expertise in working with and analysing quantitative data and/or with experience of project coordination, building partnerships, and working with schools. Training as necessary will be provided. These are full‑time posts (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a two‑year fixed‑term contract in the first instance, with a view to extend subject to funding. Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro‑rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information. #J-18808-Ljbffr