Research Associate / Fellow

Location: White City Campus (Hybrid)

About the role:

We are seeking a postdoctoral associate or research fellow to support the rollout and evaluation of a novel diagnostic and sequencing tool for poliovirus, enabling rapid outbreak detection and genomic surveillance. The post is funded by the Gates Foundation and focuses on training laboratories globally in poliovirus direct detection and nanopore sequencing, optimisation of laboratory methods for the detection of poliovirus, and support for implementation across the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) laboratory network.

What you would be doing:

The successful candidate will contribute to the continued development and validation of direct detection methods for both stool and wastewater samples, helping to improve sensitivity and robustness. They will also support the expansion of direct molecular testing approaches to additional enteric pathogens of public health importance, building on the existing poliovirus platform. A major component of the role will involve leading international training activities, including the development of training materials, delivery of workshops, and provision of ongoing technical support to collaborating laboratories. The postholder will work closely with partner laboratories to troubleshoot implementation challenges, evaluate performance, and support the adoption of new laboratory and sequencing workflows.

You will work closely with the polio team in the Vaccine Epidemiology Research Group and have access to excellent peer support from other members of the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. You will also collaborate with teams from the Polio Sequencing Consortium, GPEI, and with staff at the Gates Foundation. The post would suit someone with experience in both delivering training in laboratory methods and performing molecular biology techniques, with a particular interest in next-generation sequencing technologies. Experience in assay development, method optimisation, environmental surveillance, or pathogen genomics would be advantageous. You will be expected to undertake periodic international travel, produce high-quality research outputs, submit publications to scientific journals, attend and present at conferences, and engage with researchers, laboratory partners, and policy-makers relevant to the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Key objectives are as follows:

• To support training in and delivery of poliovirus direct detection and nanopore sequencing (DDNS) in laboratories in Africa and Asia
• To contribute to the development and validation of novel molecular surveillance methods for pathogens
• To prepare next-generation sequencing libraries for the Oxford Nanopore platform and to analyse epidemiological and sequence data
• To submit publications to online archives and peer-reviewed journals
• To work effectively with other members of the research group and with our national and international partners

What we are looking for:

For appointment at Research Fellow level, candidates should be able to demonstrate increasing research independence, evidenced by a strong publication record and experience leading aspects of research projects. The successful candidate will be expected to provide scientific leadership for components of the programme, drive methodological innovation in direct detection and sequencing approaches, supervise junior staff and students, coordinate activities with international collaborators and stakeholders, and contribute to the development of new research directions and funding opportunities. They will play a key role in shaping the future expansion of the platform for environmental surveillance and enteric pathogen detection.

Essential Requirements:

You should hold a PhD in molecular biology, laboratory medicine or a similar laboratory discipline and have a track history of developing and implementing molecular methods for infectious disease surveillance or diagnosis.

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.
• As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects
• 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

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

This role is offered on a full time, fixed term basis until 31^st December 2027 in the first instance. Imperial College is supportive of flexible working. Imperial is happy to discuss the possibility of implementing such arrangements for this post, with suitably qualified people, subject to operational requirements.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Dr Alexander Shaw (a.shaw@imperial.ac.uk) or Professor Nicholas Grassly (n.grassly@imperial.ac.uk).