Jim Ajioka

Jim Ajioka serves as University Senior Lecturer in Molecular Parasitology at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, and holds a Fellowship at Jesus College where he directs Medical Sciences studies (Part II).

His academic foundation includes a PhD in drosophila population genetics from SUNY Stony Brook University, followed by NIH-funded postdoctoral work with Professor Dan Hartl at Washington University on the Drosophila Genome Project.

Dr. Ajioka's research integrates molecular biology and engineering approaches:

• Genome analysis of host-parasite interfaces using Toxoplasma gondii as a model organism
• Synthetic biology applications for virus diagnostics and environmental sensors
• Microbial engineering for sustainable pigment production in textiles

He has commercialized his synthetic biology research through Colorifix Ltd., which engineers microbes to produce and fix pigments on fabrics. As Director of Studies for Medical Sciences at Jesus College, he guides undergraduate curriculum development while maintaining active laboratory research. His personal interests include stone sculpture, fly fishing, and outdoor activities.