Research Associate - Infectious Diseases

Viruses employ various approaches to avoid host cell defence-mechanisms and coax host cells into virus particle production. During cellular influenza A infection, these include strategies to inhibit host gene transcription termination, so preventing messenger (m)RNA polyadenylation, -export and -translation. Although it is recognised that inhibition of host-gene mRNA expression aids the virus to promote expression of its own RNA (viral host shut off), not all circulating influenza strains are equally good at it, questioning its evolutionary importance.

We now seek a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join in our efforts to uncover the biological significance and mechanisms through which influenza A virus inhibits host gene transcription termination and mRNA expression. You will join our team which uses a multidisciplinary approach that employs biochemistry, CRISPR-lead genetics, transcriptomics, molecular and cellular biology. You will be encouraged to use your own initiative and to work in collaboration with others to develop a comprehensive picture of how transcription termination affects RNA fate and consequently gene expression in influenza A infected cells.

This is 22 months position in the first instance. We seek enthusiastic candidates at any experience level, including those that see this as stepping stone for their own scientific independence. Salary will be agreed based on experience. The successful candidate will have obtained a PhD in a biological science such as molecular cell biology, virology, or biochemistry. Experience with in vitro biochemistry, virology, molecular biology, transcriptomics, or bioinformatics are desirable. The appointee will be expected to show critical, innovative, but also methodological thinking. We are looking for individuals with a sound approach to problem solving, enthusiasm to disseminate their own research in seminars, conferences, and research publications. Our laboratory is embedded in the highly collaborative department of infectious diseases. As a department we give particular emphasis to the nurturing and training of postdocs in preparation for the academic and non-academic job markets.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 22 months, with a possibility to extend.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent. However, if suitable applicants are interested in 80 % posts, this can be discussed.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Experience with in vitro biochemistry, virology, molecular biology, transcriptomics or bioinformatics are desirable.

Knowledge of one of the following scientific fields; transcription, influenza (or viral) infection, chromatin dynamics.

Essential Criteria

• PhD awarded in biochemistry, molecular or cellular biology, mass spectrometry or protein biophysics, bioinformatics, virology, immunology or PhD in above subjects near completion.
• Knowledge of some (or all) contemporary techniques of the following areas: cell biology, immunology, biochemistry (e.g., protein purification), transcriptomics and molecular biology.
• Ability to self-motivate and work flexible hours.
• Ability to work co-operatively and collegially as a team member, including collegiate handling of general laboratory organizational tasks and good citizen within the department.
• Scientific integrity and proven ability to design, implement and analyse experiments.
• Experience to publish scientific findings, as demonstrated by first author publication(s) in peer reviewed journals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate research findings at academic conferences.
• Basic Bioinformatic ability, sound computer and data-handling skills. 

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of transcription termination literature and/or influenza A literature 
• Training in RNA sequencing techniques, library preparation
• Experience with biochemical techniques, including mass spectrometry. 
• Experience with molecular biology and genetic manipulation of cells.

Closing date:14th March 2024