Research Assistant in Virus Genomics

Location: Hawkshead (nr Potters Bar, Herts)

We are seeking a part-time Research Assistant (0.5 FTE) to join the Genomics for Animal and Plant Disease Consortium (GAP-DC2), co-led at RVC.

The role

You will support the development and optimisation of metaviromic and pathogen-targeted sequencing workflows for wildlife and domestic animal samples, contributing to the characterisation of circulating viral communities relevant to animal and public health. The role will involve a combination of wet-lab experimental work, administrative support, and communication of findings within a collaborative research team.

Environment and team

We offer a vibrant and supportive research environment in which you can continue to develop your career. GAP-DC2 partners include organisations responsible for disease surveillance in farmed and wild terrestrial animals (Animal and Plant Health Agency, The Pirbright Institute), aquatics (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science), and plants (Fera Science Ltd, Forest Research), as well as scientists at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Training and development

The Department offers a strong career and professional development programme. In addition, this role will provide:

• Training in genomics and pathogen sequencing
• Opportunities to collaborate with academic and governmental partners
• Experience working within an interdisciplinary, One Health–focused consortium

We offer a generous reward package and benefits including:

• Competitive and attractive pension package
• Generous 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays + concessionary days)
• Access to free in-house CPD and funded external CPD
• A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave
• On site café and restaurant
• Free membership to the newly built Fitness and Wellbeing Centre located on site (gym, badminton, climbing wall, Zumba, yoga and Pilates classes included)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free mini-bus service to and from Potters Bar station and Hawkshead Campus

Informal enquires are welcome and can be directed to Dr Jayna Raghwani (jraghwani@rvc.ac.uk) or Dr Lexi Keene-Snickers (lkeenesnickers@rvc.ac.uk).

We promote equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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