King’s is one of the top research-led universities in the UK and was ranked 9th among the UK multi-faculty universities in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

 

The Garnett Lab is based in the Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions (CHMI), which is within the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences but is also linked to the Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics. Research within the CHMI explores how the interactions between microorganisms, host cells and environmental factors affect health, disease and wellbeing, with expertise in microbiology, immunology, cellular and structural biology, data science, and bioinformatics. 

 

The Garnett Lab investigates molecular mechanisms that promote bacterial disease. In particular, biofilm formation and other key virulence traits that allow bacteria to establish infections and persist within the host/environment. They take a multidisciplinary approach using structural biology coupled with cellular, biochemical and other biophysical techniques.  

 

A research assistant position is available in the Garnett Lab to work on biofilm formation in the Gram-negative opportunistic bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. This will build on recent work published in Nature Communications (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49255-4) and mBio (https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01393-25 and mBio (https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01393-25) )

 

The ideal candidate for the position will have experience in biofilm assays and bacterial culturing, including Legionella pneumophila. They will be responsible for these aspects of the project under the guidance of Dr. Garnett, and supervising students who will also be working on aspects of the project. 

 

This is a part-time post (14 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/03/2027.

 

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.