Senior Research Fellow

The Senior Research Fellow will lead pioneering research at the Center for Viral Glycobiology, a CAVD Central Service Facility at the University of Southampton. Focusing on HIV-1 Env and related immunogens, the postholder will develop and apply advanced glycomics and glycoproteomics methodologies to generate high-quality datasets that inform next-generation vaccine design. They will provide intellectual leadership, establish novel approaches to pseudoviral and viral-like glycosylation studies, integrate glycomics with immunological outcomes, and share findings across the CAVD network. The role includes experimental design, mentoring junior researchers, and extensive international collaboration to address key challenges in viral glycobiology.

The Role
You will lead innovative research that integrates glycoproteomics, glycomics, and immunological data. The role involves developing novel methods for immunogen glycosylation and establishing new experimental pipelines. You’ll publish in leading journals, present at global conferences, and expand datasets across viral strains. Intellectual leadership and mentorship within the team are key responsibilities.

Knowledge Exchange, Enterprise
As a central contact for the CAVD, you’ll support partners with glycoprotein analytics expertise. You’ll translate complex glycobiology into actionable insights for vaccine design and build collaborations with industry and clinical partners to enhance translational impact. Promoting the Glycoprotein Analytics Center as a global hub of excellence is a core part of the role.

Leadership, Management and Engagement
You’ll help shape the strategic direction in line with CAVD objectives. Managing staff, students, and facilities while fostering an inclusive and high-performing environment is essential. You’ll contribute to securing external funding through international grants and partnerships, represent the Centre nationally and internationally, and champion open data sharing and collaborative science.

Education Contribution
You’ll supervise postgraduate students and support training in glycoproteomics and glycobiology. Occasional lectures, workshops, or training sessions may be required. You’ll also support capacity building across the CAVD through mentoring and sharing expertise.

About You

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications
You should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in glycobiology, structural biology, virology, biochemistry, or a related field. A strong publication record in viral glycobiology or mass spectrometry is required, along with expertise in glycomics and glycoproteomics methodologies. Experience leading research projects involving pseudoviral or viral-like systems is essential.

Teamwork and Communication
You must be able to collaborate across disciplines and with international partners. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with experience presenting research at international forums.

Planning and Problem Solving
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects are required. You should have experience overseeing lab resources and aligning activities with strategic priorities. The role demands the ability to design experiments, resolve challenges, and develop novel methodologies.

What We Can Offer You
We aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive, fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and equality of opportunity. With a generous holiday allowance and additional university closure days, we support flexible working and wellbeing for staff and students.

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