Research Associate(s) in Virology

Location: South Kensington Campus – on-site role

About the role:

We are seeking a Research Associate(s) to join the Edgar and Singanayagam labs at Imperial College London to develop interventions that prevent influenza transmission and increase our pandemic preparedness.

What you would be doing:

Your research will build on previous findings that non-toxic glycol vapour rapidly inactivates a broad range of pathogens and prevents airborne influenza virus transmission within in vitro model systems.

You will test how effectively vaporised glycols can block flu transmission in a variety of animal and cellular models. Successful candidates will use complementary approaches to advance our molecular understanding of glycol action and evaluate glycol vapour efficacy under different environmental conditions.

This project will facilitate real-world deployment of this intervention to reduce the spread of disease within indoor environments at scale. The role is an excellent opportunity to work at the boundary of discovery and translational science, generating the robust evidence needed to support use of glycols against seasonal and pandemic influenza, and other pathogens.  

What we are looking for:

• A PhD in a relevant biological of biophysical discipline, with experience in animal infectious disease models and handling CL2 level pathogens, and/or airborne disease transmission dynamics and analysis.
• Proficient basic wet lab skills including tissue culture, with expertise in human air-liquid interface culture/primary airway epithelial cell culture desirable.
• Scientific curiosity and motivation to progress experimental results into real-world applications.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve and deliver high-quality research outputs, and contribute positively to a collaborative and innovative research environment.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to work collaboratively within a dynamic multidisciplinary team.
• The chance to translate foundational laboratory research into scientific application.
• The opportunity to continue your career in a world-leading research environment 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.

The role is primarily based within the Department of Infectious Disease at the South Kensington campus. In addition, Dr Rachel Edgar has a laboratory at The Francis Crick Institute and Dr Anika Singanayagam leads the Respiratory Virus Unit (national reference laboratory) at UK Health Security Agency. The project also involves collaborative research with Prof Elma Tchilian at the Pirbright Institute, a world leading animal research facility for investigating disease transmission in large animal models. Successful candidates will get the opportunity to work, learn and network across these diverse scientific institutions.

This is a full-time post.

This role is for a fixed-term contract for up to 24 months.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Rachel Edgar rachel.edgar@imperial.ac.uk; Dr. Anika Singanayagam anika.singanayagam@imperial.ac.uk

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