Research Assistant – Proactive vaccinology (SARS-CoV-2)

Location: South Kensington

About the role:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the Barclay Lab at Imperial studying how vaccine responses shape the antigenic evolution of viruses. Vaccination remains one of the most powerful tools to protect people from viruses. Unfortunately, viruses such as Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 evolve under the pressure of antigenic selection to variants that escape the protection of vaccines. The lag in vaccine development and deployment means that at the time of vaccine administration or soon after, variants that are not protected by the vaccine have emerged reducing the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Our goal is to understand the drivers of antigenic evolution of SARS-CoV-2, develop methods of predicting the direction of antigenic evolution and develop proactive vaccines designed to provide protection against the future variants that may emerge.

What you would be doing:

The primary role of this post will be to support the Barclay research group in the development and running of deep mutagenesis platforms to understand how mutations in SARS-CoV-2 spike affect antigenic escape, stability and function. This will involve using FACS, pseudovirus based assays, a range of sequencing techniques and bioinformatics during the running of these assays and their validation.

More information on the Barclay lab research interests and activities can be found here: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/barclay-lab/

Additionally, the successful candidate will develop skills in the production of RNA vaccines by supporting the Shattock group in the development of saRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants. These vaccines will be used to generate antisera that will contribute to the antigenic cartography of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

More information on the Shattock lab research interests and activities can be found here:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/infectious-disease/research/immunology-infection/mucosal-infection-and-immunity/

What we are looking for:

• The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Biology or Virology or equivalent degree or vocational qualification
• Experience in a molecular research laboratory
• Computer literacy using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

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
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

This is a full time and fixed term (3.5 years) position based at the South Kensington Campus.

Applicants will need to complete an online application. Please also see the Job description for further details.

Informal enquiries regarding the vacancy can be made by email to Professor Wendy Barclay: w.barclay@imperial.ac.uk

About Imperial

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

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