Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead virus evolution and bioinformatics analysis for wastewater surveillance of pandemic pathogens.
- Company: Join a globally recognised team at Imperial focused on infectious disease research and public health.
- Benefits: Enjoy 39 days off, a competitive salary, and access to top-notch resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while collaborating with experts across the world.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields or equivalent experience; strong analytical skills and programming knowledge required.
- Other info: Opportunity for high-impact publications and engagement with international research networks.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a postdoctoral research scientist to lead virus evolution and bioinformatic data analysis for our program on wastewater surveillance for pandemic pathogens. The world faces an increased risk of new infectious disease pandemics. Global surveillance for emerging zoonotic viruses is currently inadequate, especially in low-income populations at greatest risk. Wastewater surveillance offers a scalable tool for detecting spillover infections and human transmission of concerning viral families.
Funded by the Gates Foundation and the Institute of Philanthropy, we are establishing the Wastewater Surveillance for Pandemic Prevention (WaSPP) network, which will develop and pilot wastewater surveillance strategies, laboratory methods, and analytical tools in Africa and Asia. Our protocols and software will be shared with the community to enable wider testing and sustained implementation.
A key part of WaSPP's research will involve analyzing virus sequence data from wastewater samples. This will include next-generation sequencing of viral RNA/DNA, identifying viruses, and inferring potential human infection and transmission. The analysis will focus on viral evolution, scenario simulation, and applying analytical pipelines to data generated by the WaSPP network.
This is a three-year post suitable for a biologist, mathematician, or similar with research experience in infectious disease epidemiology, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics, aiming to improve global public health. In the first year, the successful candidate will incorporate virus evolution models into mathematical models of spillover infection and transmission, supporting the development of virus sequence analysis methods and inference of human transmission. Subsequently, they will support wastewater sequence data analysis following pilot implementation, refining virus evolution models and developing analytical pipelines and tools.
The role involves close collaboration with the WaSPP team at Imperial and the international WaSPP network in the UK, Ghana, DRC, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia. The position offers opportunities for high-impact publications and engagement with centres of excellence in the UK and high-risk countries.
The successful applicant will be part of the Vaccine Epidemiology Research Group (VERG) within the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis. VERG includes epidemiologists and laboratory scientists focused on viral and bacterial pathogens, vaccines, and genomics. We are a collaborative, internationally recognized group.
Essential experience includes working with sequence data, programming in Python or similar languages (e.g., R), and a strong interest in infectious disease epidemiology. Applicants should hold a PhD in infectious disease epidemiology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, or a related quantitative discipline, with strong analytical skills and an interest in infectious diseases or vaccine research. Candidates without a PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.
Benefits include the opportunity to advance your career at a world-leading institution, access to Imperial’s resources, sector-leading salary and benefits (including 39 days off annually and generous pension schemes), and a diverse, inclusive, collaborative work culture.
Research Assistant or Associate employer: Imperial College London
Contact Detail:
Imperial College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant or Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of infectious disease epidemiology and bioinformatics. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet researchers and practitioners who are involved in wastewater surveillance or similar projects. This can help you gain insights into the latest trends and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific software and analytical tools used in virus sequence analysis. Being well-versed in these technologies will not only enhance your skill set but also demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the WaSPP network and its initiatives through social media or professional platforms like LinkedIn. By following their updates and participating in discussions, you can show your genuine interest in their work and stay informed about their latest research and developments.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially those related to viral evolution and data analysis. Be ready to explain how your background aligns with the goals of the WaSPP project and how you can contribute to their mission of improving global public health.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant or Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in bioinformatics, infectious disease epidemiology, and any programming skills you possess, particularly in Python or R. Emphasise your research experience and any publications related to viral evolution or public health.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job description. Discuss your interest in wastewater surveillance and how your background aligns with the goals of the WaSPP network. Mention any collaborative projects you've been involved in, especially those with international teams.
Highlight Analytical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your analytical skills and experience with sequence data analysis. Provide examples of past projects where you applied these skills, particularly in relation to infectious diseases or evolutionary biology.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for clarity and grammatical accuracy. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in research roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your experience with sequence data and programming languages like Python or R. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Public Health
Express your enthusiasm for infectious disease epidemiology and how it relates to global health challenges. Share any relevant experiences or insights that showcase your commitment to improving public health through research.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since the role involves close collaboration with various teams, be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Think of examples where you successfully worked in a multidisciplinary environment and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with WaSPP's Goals
Research the Wastewater Surveillance for Pandemic Prevention (WaSPP) network and its objectives. Understanding their mission will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.