King's College London

About Us

King’s College London is an internationally renowned university delivering exceptional education and world-leading research. The university is dedicated to driving positive and sustainable change in society and realising our vision of making the world a better place.  Through its commitment to exceptional education, impactful research and genuine service to society, King’s College London is creating positive change in its communities, both in London and on the world stage. The Strategic Vision 2029 looks forward to King’s College London’s 200th anniversary in 2029 and sets out ambitious plans in five key areas:

• Educating the next generation of change-makers
• Challenging ideas and driving change through research
• Giving back to society through meaningful service
• Working with our local communities in London
• Fostering global citizens with an international perspective

Information about our School and Research can be found here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/sims

About the role

The Odendall Laboratory studies both sides of interactions between the host and enteric bacterial pathogens. We seek to understand the interplay between the bacteria Salmonella and Shigella and type I and III interferons (IFNs).

Type I and III IFNs are induced, along with other cytokines, upon detection of microbes. They have a direct effect on the tissue, inducing hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), with diverse antimicrobial functions. While the functions of type I/III IFNs in antiviral immunity are extensively studied, if/how IFNs and their ISGs protect against bacterial infection is poorly understood.

We have recently reported that bacterial factors translocated by the Shigella type III secretion system (T3SS) block IFN receptor signalling (Alphonse et al, Cell, 2022), and the induction of ISGs. This suggests the importance of this pathway in host defence against bacteria. Indeed, IFNs were protective against Shigella infection in cellular and animal models of infection.

Similarly, we have found that IFN restricted intracellular infection with Salmonella, an enteric pathogen with similarities to Shigella. This MRC-funded project will investigate the functions of type I/III IFNs and a few key ISGs in mouse models of Salmonella infection.

Mice lacking IFN receptors will be infected with different strains of Salmonella. Salmonella pathogenesis and the immune response to infection will be investigated, including histopathological scoring, and gene expression studies.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in immunology, be hardworking, with a proven track record of publication as a primary author of scientific paper(s) in top tier scientific journals. They should have a particular interest in tackling fundamental questions regarding host-pathogen interactions.

This is a full time role (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 18 months.

About You

Essential criteria

1. PhD in immunology, cellular microbiology or other related subject
2. Expertise with mouse models
3. Expertise with flow cytometry, imaging, histopathological scoring
4. Experience in studying interferon biology
5. Proficiency in advanced cell culture techniques, with extensive experience using organoid models
6. Expertise with Salmonella infection models
7. Excellent communication skills
8. Excellent note-keeping skills
9. Honest and accurate reporting
10. Experience supervising students

Desirable criteria

1. Experience with bacterial infection models, particularly Salmonella
2. Microbiology expertise
3. Deep understanding of mucosal immunity, intestinal pathophysiology, and bacterial pathogenesis
4. Expertise in molecular biology/biochemistry

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held in April.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.