Postdoctoral Research Associate for Influenza Studies

Pay Scale: STANDARD GRADE 7

Salary (£): £36,024 - £44,263 per annum

Location: MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine

Contract Type: Fixed-Term

Hours: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in Dr Pramila Rijal's research group, mentored by Professor Alain Townsend.

The group work focuses on two aspects of influenza neuraminidase (NA) research: preclinical vaccine development and characterisation of novel small inhibitory molecules. One arm of the work includes design and testing of recombinant NA proteins conjugated on virus-like particles for enhanced serum immune response and in vivo protection. The second related project involves characterisation of NA small molecule candidates in NA inhibition and virus growth inhibition assays. The latter is a collaborative project with Professor Thomas Bowden and Professor Paul Brennan's research groups.

The role of the incumbent will be to manage all aspects of protein expression and purification, perform in vitro assays involving tissue culture, growing influenza viruses and NA inhibition assays and, and trial of vaccines and antibodies in in vivo models. The post holder provides guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students.

About You

Applicants should hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, and have experience with tissue culture and protein expression.

You will also need to demonstrate that you have:

•         An ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities.

•         An ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.

•         Sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes.

•         Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.

Having had previous experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project and/or actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication would both be desirable attributes for this post.

About the Radcliffe Department of Medicine

The Radcliffe Department of Medicine (RDM) within the Medical Sciences Division is one of the largest departments in the University of Oxford. Headed by Professor Keith Channon, RDM is a multi-disciplinary department which aims to tackle some of the world’s biggest health challenges by integrating innovative basic biology with cutting edge clinical research.

Benefits of working

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

•                An excellent contributory pension scheme

•                38 days annual leave

•                A comprehensive range of childcare services

•                Family leave schemes

•                Cycle loan scheme

•                Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

•                Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

Application Process

“Committed to equality and valuing diversity”

The post is full-time and fixed-term until 30/04/2027.

Hybrid working will be considered.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. The supporting statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click

 for more information and advice on how to write an effective supporting statement.

Only applications received before 12:00 midday on 03/05/2024 will be considered.