At a Glance
- Tasks: Support global training and evaluation of a novel poliovirus diagnostic tool.
- Company: Join a world-leading institution dedicated to science for humanity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days off, generous pension, and career development support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global health and contribute to polio eradication efforts.
- Qualifications: PhD in molecular biology or related field with experience in molecular methods.
The predicted salary is between 65073 - 65073 £ per year.
Location: White City Campus (Hybrid)
About the role: We are seeking a postdoctoral associate or research fellow to support the rollout and evaluation of a novel diagnostic and sequencing tool for poliovirus, enabling rapid outbreak detection and genomic surveillance. The post is funded by the Gates Foundation and focuses on training laboratories globally in poliovirus direct detection and nanopore sequencing, optimisation of laboratory methods for the detection of poliovirus, and support for implementation across the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) laboratory network.
What you would be doing: The successful candidate will contribute to the continued development and validation of direct detection methods for both stool and wastewater samples, helping to improve sensitivity and robustness. They will also support the expansion of direct molecular testing approaches to additional enteric pathogens of public health importance, building on the existing poliovirus platform. A major component of the role will involve leading international training activities, including the development of training materials, delivery of workshops, and provision of ongoing technical support to collaborating laboratories. The postholder will work closely with partner laboratories to troubleshoot implementation challenges, evaluate performance, and support the adoption of new laboratory and sequencing workflows. You will work closely with the polio team in the Vaccine Epidemiology Research Group and have access to excellent peer support from other members of the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. You will also collaborate with teams from the Polio Sequencing Consortium, GPEI, and with staff at the Gates Foundation.
The post would suit someone with experience in both delivering training in laboratory methods and performing molecular biology techniques, with a particular interest in next-generation sequencing technologies. Experience in assay development, method optimisation, environmental surveillance, or pathogen genomics would be advantageous. You will be expected to undertake periodic international travel, produce high-quality research outputs, submit publications to scientific journals, attend and present at conferences, and engage with researchers, laboratory partners, and policy-makers relevant to the field.
Duties and Responsibilities Key objectives are as follows:
- To support training in and delivery of poliovirus direct detection and nanopore sequencing (DDNS) in laboratories in Africa and Asia
- To contribute to the development and validation of novel molecular surveillance methods for pathogens
- To prepare next-generation sequencing libraries for the Oxford Nanopore platform and to analyse epidemiological and sequence data
- To submit publications to online archives and peer-reviewed journals
- To work effectively with other members of the research group and with our national and international partners
What we are looking for: For appointment at Research Fellow level, candidates should be able to demonstrate increasing research independence, evidenced by a strong publication record and experience leading aspects of research projects. The successful candidate will be expected to provide scientific leadership for components of the programme, drive methodological innovation in direct detection and sequencing approaches, supervise junior staff and students, coordinate activities with international collaborators and stakeholders, and contribute to the development of new research directions and funding opportunities. They will play a key role in shaping the future expansion of the platform for environmental surveillance and enteric pathogen detection.
Essential Requirements: You should hold a PhD in molecular biology, laboratory medicine or a similar laboratory discipline and have a track history of developing and implementing molecular methods for infectious disease surveillance or diagnosis.
What we can offer you: The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression. As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes). Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further Information: Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant. This role is offered on a full time, fixed term basis until 31st December 2027 in the first instance. Imperial College is supportive of flexible working. Imperial is happy to discuss the possibility of implementing such arrangements for this post, with suitably qualified people, subject to operational requirements.
Research Associate / Fellow employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College offers an exceptional opportunity for Research Associates and Fellows at its White City Campus, where you will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to global health initiatives. With access to world-class resources, generous benefits including 41 days of annual leave, and a strong focus on professional development, you will thrive in a collaborative and inclusive environment that values innovation and scientific leadership. Join us in making a meaningful impact on public health while advancing your career in a supportive and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate / Fellow
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Imperial College London, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Imperial College London. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate / Fellow
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 Imperial College London. 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 Imperial College London. 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 Imperial College London
✨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 Imperial College London. 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 Imperial College London to drive research projects forward.
