Research Assistant or Associate in Viral Genomics and Immunology

About the role

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Research Associate in Viral Genomics and Immunology at the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology/ School of Public Health/ Faculty of Medicine (DIDE-SPH), School of Public Health, at Imperial College London.

We are seeking a laboratory-focused Research Assistant/Associate in Viral Genomics and Immunology to develop, optimise and implement serological, molecular and genomic sequencing pipelines for arboviruses (including dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya), directly supporting arbovirus surveillance as well as capacity-building and retention across the Dengue and Zika Immunology and Genomics Multi-Country Network (DeZi Network). DeZi is a new Wellcome Trust-funded programme, delivered with the World Health Organization, national Ministries of Health and partner research institutes across 24 countries, to improve understanding of dengue and Zika virus circulation and interaction (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/articles/medicine/school-public-health/2025/international-collaborative-effort-to-understand-dengue-and-zika/).

What you would be doing

Together with local teams, you will ensure that clinical samples are safely received, triaged, processed, sequenced and quality‑controlled, generating high‑quality serological, molecular and genomic data alongside metadata that will feed dashboards as well as catalytic and phylodynamic models. The post includes international travel to collaborate and train partner laboratories, and the post will include contribution to special pilots such as aircraft/airport wastewater surveillance for arboviruses.

The role is central to a major international effort to understand and combat arboviral threats (such as dengue and Zika), with direct contributions to global health policy and outbreak preparedness. The successful candidate will drive the development and application of advanced diagnostic and analytical tools, set new standards in immunological and genomic epidemiology, and contribute to global arbovirus response.

What we are looking for

• PhD or equivalent in virology, molecular biology, infectious disease, genomics, bioinformatics, or related quantitative discipline.
• Hands on experience running NGS library prep and sequencing (Illumina/ONT) for viral genomes.
• Evidence of leading or co-leading scientific manuscripts (e.g., first- or shared-first authorship) in virology, immunology, genomics or related fields.
• Experience disseminating research through high-impact publications, presentations, and stakeholder reports.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

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 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

This is a full-time and fixed-term contract until 28^th February 2029 (part-time/flexible working will be considered; details can be discussed at interview).

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Professor Nuno Faria, at n.faria@imperial.ac.uk. 

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links. 

• download: Research Assistant-Associate in Viral Genomics and Immunology - Job Description.pdf
• download: Employee Benefits Booklet.pdf

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.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.