At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative methods for detecting viruses in wastewater and characterising viral communities.
- Company: Join the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, a leader in virology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 8 weeks annual leave, and tailored career development.
- Other info: Collaborate with top experts and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by tackling emerging viral threats.
- Qualifications: No prior doctoral degree required; passion for virology and research is essential.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
About DETECTIVE
DETECTIVE (Data driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts) is an EU-funded MSCA training programme aimed at developing new, data-driven methods to anticipate, detect and respond to emerging viral threats at an earlier stage than before. Coordinated by Prof. Dr. Heli Harvala, Professor of Virology at the University of Turku in Finland, the network brings together 8 academic institutions and 14 associated partners from across Europe. Within DETECTIVE, researchers will develop innovative methods used to detect emerging pathogens earlier, understand who is most at risk, and translate the complex multi-source data into real-time, evidence-based decisions and clinical applications. The project's overall goal is to establish a unified, end-to-end epidemic-intelligence framework, enhancing Europe’s capacity to respond to threats quickly and in a coordinated manner. This will be achieved by an integrated approach combining virology, evolutionary genomics, epidemiology, diagnostics and AI-based analytical methods.
Background of Project DC12
Emerging and re‑emerging viruses continue to pose major threats to global health. Wastewater surveillance offers a unique opportunity to monitor viral circulation at the population level, providing early warning of outbreaks and the emergence of novel pathogens or variants. This project will combine viral genomics, next‑generation sequencing and artificial intelligence to develop innovative approaches for detecting and characterising WHO priority viruses in wastewater and understanding how viral communities change across different environments and seasons.
Job Description
At the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, DETECTIVE is looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC) to work on Work Packages 1. As DC12, your objectives are:
- Develop a sequencing‑based PCR assay for targeting WHO priority viruses
- Benchmark assay performance using a viral agnostic probe‑based assay
- Characterise the wastewater virome across multiple settings including urban, rural, hospitals and airports across different seasons
- Test feasibly of detection of mutations of interest such as vaccine escape and drug resistance
- Define AI tools for inferring the virus ability to infect specific hosts and identify potential zoonosis
You will be supervised by Dr Ana da Silva Filipe, with additional support from Dr Katherine Smollett and Dr Joseph Hughes (University of Glasgow). Secondment opportunities and training will be provided through collaborations with Dr Sami Oikarinen (Tampere University, Finland) and Dr Javier Martin (MHRA, UK).
About the CVR
The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) is home to an internationally leading critical mass of virologists, entirely focused on the study of human viral diseases and viruses at the human‑animal interface. Established in 2010 as a partnership between the University and the Medical Research Council (MRC), the CVR contributes to national virology capability and supports the global response to viruses and the diseases they cause. The CVR has excellent facilities for conducting research in molecular biology and virology located in a purpose‑built research building at the Garscube campus of the University of Glasgow, including high containment laboratories, purpose built Viral Genomics suite and Viral Bioinformatics expertise. The CVR is a core component of the School of Infection and Immunity within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow. The University of Glasgow is a world top 100 University with a rich history of academic excellence and innovation since 1451, with a diverse community of students from over 140 countries.
Languages
ENGLISH Level Excellent
Additional Information
A contract with the University of Glasgow for 3 years (probation of 6 months). The opportunity to work on large‑scale and in‑house research with motivated colleagues. Interdisciplinary network‑wide training schools (one week each):
- Foundations in Virology, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology
- Advanced Integration of Scientific, Diagnostic and Public Health Virology
- Translational Virology and connecting Academia, Clinical Practice and Public Health for Pandemic Preparedness
Individually tailored career development plan and personal empowerment programme. Access to the Campus Sport Services at a reduced rate price. A competitive salary and comprehensive employment benefits in line with MSCA Doctoral Network requirements. A holiday allowance of 8 weeks annual leave, including public holidays.
Eligibility criteria
MSCA Eligibility Requirements Mobility Rule- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment (1 March 2027). Doctoral Degree Requirement- Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: MRC University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Country: United Kingdom
City: Glasgow
Postal Code: G61 1QH
Street: 464 Bearsden Road
Virome dynamics in wastewater across urban, rural, and high-risk settings: molecular detection, mutational impact and host risk. in Glasgow employer: Glasgow University
The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation in virology and public health. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to employee development through tailored training programmes and interdisciplinary collaboration, researchers can thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful global health initiatives. Located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, employees enjoy a rich cultural experience alongside competitive salaries and generous benefits, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Virome dynamics in wastewater across urban, rural, and high-risk settings: molecular detection, mutational impact and host risk. in Glasgow
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
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✨Show Off Your Research Projects
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We think you need these skills to ace Virome dynamics in wastewater across urban, rural, and high-risk settings: molecular detection, mutational impact and host risk. in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Glasgow University. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Glasgow University. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Glasgow University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Glasgow University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Glasgow University to drive research projects forward.
