PhD Microbiology jobs

About the role

We are Imperial – a world-leading university for science, technology, engineering, medicine and business (STEMB), where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

We invite applications from scientists to lead a cutting-edge research and teaching program in two streams:

Applicants should specify in their application their preferred stream from those listed above, which will be used to determine review panel allocation.

These are permanent faculty member positions at the Assistant/Associate Professor level, starting during the 2026-27 academic year. You will conduct research, teach and mentor students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Imperial is a multidisciplinary space for education, research, translation and commercialisation, harnessing science and innovation to tackle global challenges. Appointees are expected to broaden the Department’s research capabilities, while complementing our existing strengths:

Research Themes | Faculty of Natural Sciences | Imperial College London

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We especially welcome applicants who are women or from any under-represented groups.

What you would be doing

Duties and responsibilities (commensurate with the level of appointment)

Research

• To develop a broad range of research in 1. Immunology or 2. Infection, Bacteriology or Microbiology within the department..
• To supervise, train and mentor research staff and students.
• To manage research projects.
• To publish research in peer reviewed journals.
• To attend and present work at national and international conferences.
• To collaborate and strengthen links with colleagues within the Department of Life Sciences and across all departments.
• To play a role in the national and international research community and/or learned societies.

Education

• To teach at all levels – undergraduate, masters and higher research degrees – through lectures and seminars
• To examine courses at all levels – undergraduate, masters and higher research degrees – exam setting, coursework setting, marking and viva style examinations
• To mentor students of all levels, undergraduate, masters and higher research degrees through personal tutorials, and supervision.
• To contribute to curriculum development.
• To contribute to the enhancement of teaching within the field

What we are looking for

Essential requirements (commensurate with the level of appointment)

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Immunology or a related discipline.
• A developing national/ international reputation in your field of research
• A proven track record in conducting high quality independent research, as evidenced by high quality publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Experience of training undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Experience of preparing grant applications for submission
• Experience of developing skills in leading, motivating, developing and managing the performance of colleagues
• An effective communicator, conveying ideas and concepts clearly and effectively to a range of audiences through a variety of methods and media.
• An ability to raise significant research funding from a variety of sources, commensurate with your career stage.

Please see the Job Description for more details on the key duties and essential requirements for this position.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Grow in your career with tailored training programmes for academic staff including dedicated support with navigating your career and managing research as well as a transparent promotion process.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year including public holidays and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

Salary
Assistant Professor: £73,194 to £82,954 per annum
Associate Professor: Minimum starting salary of £85,873 per annum

There are full time open-ended roles based at the Imperial College South Kensington Campus.

• 1-hour open meeting with candidates to answer any question you may have before the closing of applications. Online open Information session: Wednesday 9 Sept 2026, 11:00am: Open Information Session | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
• Shortlisting: October 2026
• Short Online Presentations to Department: November 2026
• Interviews (by invitation; candidates online, panel in person): December 2026

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Professor Mark Isalan, Professor of Engineering Biology and recruitment lead, email: m.isalan@imperial.ac.uk

Closing date: Sunday 4 October 2026 at 23:59 hours (midnight BST).

Available documents