Research Associate

London Source: WhatJobs

See advert for pay

Overview

In this role you will advance anti-candidalysin therapeutics by validating and developing small molecule inhibitors. You will work across fungal pathogenesis, epithelial biology, and translational assessment, combining in vitro and in vivo models to identify viable candidates. You will contribute to safety profiling, multi- assay data integration, and preclinical validation in multidisciplinary teams. This position offers the chance to shape therapeutic strategies against candidalysin-driven disease within a leading research environment.

Responsibilities

Validate and develop small molecule inhibitors targeting candidalysin
Conduct mechanistic in vitro studies using oral and vaginal epithelial models
Screen compounds across assays (LDH, cytokines, epithelial viability) and perform safety counterscreens
Test activity against candidalysin variants from clinically relevant Candida strains
Support compound prioritisation using potency, selectivity, and Go/No-Go criteria
Utilise murine models of oropharyngeal and vaginal candidiasis to assess fungal burden and tissue damage
Contribute to independent, original research and cross-disciplinary collaboration

Key requirements

PhD in Biological/Biophysical/Pharmaceutical Sciences, Protein/Peptide Biology, Microbiology or related discipline
Research experience in fungal biology/pathogenesis, especially Candida
Hands-on expertise in mammalian epithelial cell culture and infection assays
Experience with membrane biophysics and analyses (SPR, ITC, Orbit16)
Experience with molecular, cellular and biochemical readouts of host signalling
Experience with in vivo (mouse) infection models or willingness to work with murine models
Strong computational, statistical and data-analysis skills
Excellent organisational, communication and teamwork skills