Senior Research Associate in Mucosal Microbiology and Immunity

The role

We are looking for an exceptional Senior Research Associate to join the Bristol Vaccine Centre (BVC) as part of a Health Protection Research Focus Award in Vaccines and Immunisation. This is a collaborative project involving close working relationships with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) with a key aim to develop novel saliva surveillance tools for informing national policy around vaccination. The successful applicant will work closely with a research technician, with support from the PI (line manager Dr Anu Goenka) and wider team, to optimise novel methods for molecular microbial/viral detection (quantitative PCR) and antibody profiling from respiratory samples such as saliva and throat swabs. The post is primarily based at the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol. However, the successful applicant will also have a joint contract with UKHSA and will have the opportunity to work with staff in UKHSA labs to ensure the methodologies and outputs are translational.

The overarching aim of our group’s research programme is to develop a deeper understanding of the immunology of infection, and in particular population carriage/immunity to inform the use (and development) of vaccines. Our focus is predominantly respiratory mucosal immunity, and in particular indirect effects of vaccines i.e. the prevention of onward transmission. We employ an array of immunological and microbiological laboratory methodologies, largely using human samples such as blood, saliva and tonsils. Our research group encourages a culture of scientific curiosity and learning, with regular meetings to present and discuss data.

This post is for 3 years in the first instance with the potential opportunity to extend. Shortlisted applicants will be encouraged to arrange a visit to tour the laboratory and meet the team prior to their interview.

What will you be doing?

You will:

• Play a leading role developing and deploying state of the art microbial and immunological assays for use in detecting infections from saliva samples (saliva-surveillance) with technical support
• Collaborate with other academic partners in the University of Bristol as well as in the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), LSHTM, UWE, University of as part of the HPRFA programme
• Lead on preparation of research outputs for dissemination and publication such research papers in peer-reviewed journals, conference posters and presentations.
• Contribute to applications for additional research funding
• Be well-supported in their academic career development, making this an ideal opportunity to take the step towards an independent academic career (e.g. fellowship)

You should apply if

• You are passionate about translational infectious disease research and are seeking a career as an independent research scientist
• You are an experienced postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in a relevant field (microbiology, immunology) with experience with microbiological, immunological and/or molecular assays.
• You have excellent communication skills and an ability to manage a multi-faceted project across institutions and alongside a diverse collaborative team.
• You have a proven track record in preparing scientific research for publication in high impact journals

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Anu Goenka (anu.goenka@bristol.ac.uk)

Contract type: Open-ended (Fixed funding for 3 years)

Work pattern: Full-time (part time considered)

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Wednesday 13th August 2025

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