Research Fellow in 3D Cell Culture and Virology - AR2763NB

Start Date: As soon as possible, but no later than April 2023
Fixed term: 21 months

Applications are sought for a committed Research Fellow to work on a collaborative project between Dr Catherine Adamson, Dr David Hughes and Professor Sonja Vernes conducting research for a University of St Andrews funded project entitled: 3D Tissue Culture Models to Evaluate Novel Antiviral Candidates against Clinically Important Viruses SARS-CoV-2 and RSV.

The main purpose of this exciting project is to establish human lung airway tissue-culture models to investigate clinically important respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The PDRF will generate Airway Liquid Interface (ALI) cultures of differentiated epithelia that resemble human lung airway structures that provide a physiologically relevant model to study respiratory viruses. The human lung ALI models will be characterized by flow cytometry, imaging and molecular biology (including single cell sequencing) techniques. In the first instance the ALI cultures will be used to investigate the antiviral activity of novel RSV1 and SARS-CoV-22 inhibitors, which have been identified by the Adamson Lab. In addition to investigating novel antiviral candidates, ALI cultures provide a powerful technology to understand virus infection and virus-host interactions, and there will be opportunities for the PDRF to explore these research areas as the project progresses.

¹ Vasou et al., Antiviral Research, 2018: 150; 79-92, ² Unpublished, Adamson Lab, 2022.

The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in cell biology, microbiology or virology with expertise in cell culture techniques. Experience in primary cell culture or ALI or other 3D cell culture techniques would be advantageous.

The post is available for 21 months, starting as soon as possible but no later than April 2023, and is funded by the University of St Andrews. The project is based in newly refurbished Biomolecular Sciences (BMS) Building, which opened in August 2022. The project is a collaboration between Dr Catherine Adamson https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/biology/people/csa21/, Dr David Hughes https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/biology/people/djh25/, and Professor Sonja Vernes https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/biology/people/scv1/, members of the Biomedical Sciences Research Complex https://bsrc.st-andrews.ac.uk School of Biology, University of St Andrews.

Informal enquiries are strongly encouraged and can be made to Dr Catherine Adamson (e-mail: csa21@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/.

Closing Date: 16 January 2023 

Please quote ref: AR2763NB

Further Particulars: AR2763NB FPs.doc

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