Research Associate in Molecular Virology

Research Associate in Molecular Virology

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral research associate with molecular virology skills to join our team (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/barclay-lab/).

Our mission is to define how viruses cross species barriers and evolve to infect humans. We are using influenza viruses as models to understand the crucial steps for pandemicity. In this job you will focus on the early events inside the cell that underpin the virus’ ability to replicate in their new host.

What you would be doing

You will be validating the roles of a series of novel host factors we have discovered to be associated with the influenza A virus polymerase as it carries out different functions inside the host cell nucleus. You will do this through a combination of bioinformatics and molecular virology techniques. This will involve knocking down expression of the factors and assessing virus replication, looking for in situ colocalization of the factors with viral polymerase, and by comparing the interaction of the factors with viral ribonucleoproteins assembled from positive or negative sense viral RNA.

What we are looking for

• We are looking for a team member who has previously worked with viruses in mammalian cell systems. It will be great for our team if you can bring in more experience in genetically manipulating cells with CRISPR, generating and/or working with primary cell systems, and/or handling large data sets. We are keen to bring on board someone with experience in using AlphaFold and other bioinformatics packages to apply to our sets of host factors.

What we can offer you

• Be part of a diverse team who work together on one of today’s big challenges and support each other to advance our knowledge and careers.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• 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 is a full time (35 h/w) and fixed -term (24 months) role. Expected start date January 1 st 2027.

The Barclay lab team consists of 6 postdoctoral associates, three technicians and a lab manager. Everyone in the group works on respiratory viruses with pandemic potential, and our work spans from discovery of host factors that affect the outcome of infection, through using complex models of airway to recapitulate the challenging environments these viruses must negotiate, to designing new vaccines and testing mitigations to block infection and transmission.

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages .

Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community.

Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.