We have an immediate position for a post-doctoral research assistant to work at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) with Drs Michael Gaunt, Tapan Bhattacharyya, Nick Furnham, as well as Profs Polly Roy, and Prof Michael Miles . Our external collaborator is Prof Andrew Falconar at the University of Northern Colombia. The post is based in London (LSHTM) and the successful applicant will use cutting-edge reverse genetics of Zika virus (ZIKV) and next-generation sequencing technologies to investigate the molecular basis to antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) against previous dengue virus infections (DENV). Training in relevant techniques and a fully optimised phenotypic assay will be provided. Please contact Michael Gaunt
[email protected] for further information and early applications are requested.
The post holder will work with a Zika virus infectious clone and/or protein expression systems and full-genome sequences from culture and primary isolates sampled during Zika virus outbreaks. Zika virus reverse genetics will elucidate the molecular determinants of ADE between ZIKV and prior DENV infections. Candidate mutations have been identified using extensive bioinformatics modelling.
The post holder will provide support to the group and interact with a PhD student who has expertise in the ADE assay required to identify phenotypic change. Keeping meticulous records of experimental results, and collating and analysing research data to prepare it for presentation and publication is essential.
The successful applicant will have a PhD degree in a relevant area of RNA molecular virology with proven experience of laboratory work in reverse genetics.
The post is funded by EU2020 for a period of 2 years and 1 month and is available immediately. Full application details are available on the LSHTM jobs Web site,
https://jobs.lshtm.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=ITD-PMBD-2018-03**Main duties and responsibilities:**
* Design, implement and optimise mutations of two Zika virus infectious clones and potential chimera viruses
* Undertake microbiology techniques with ZIKV to ensure completion of the objectives within the project, including culturing, RNA extraction, targeted mutagenesis, NGS library preparation, sequencing, RT-qPCR
* Conduct or strongly assist with *in vivo* or *in vitro* models of ADE
* Participate in general laboratory duties as designated by the Principal Investigator and provide laboratory support for members of the team
* Collate and analyse research data and prepare it for presentation and publication using meticulous records of experimental details
PERSON SPECIFICATION
**Essential requirements:**
* A PhD in a relevant area of biological sciences
* Proven experience of laboratory work in molecular biology and involvement in reverse genetics or protein expression
* Experience with RNA viruses
* Excellent management, organisational, written and verbal communication skills and familiarity with international standards for laboratory safety
* Willingness to assist in the training of students, visiting workers or new staff in the laboratory
**Desirable requirements:**
* Previous involvement in next-generation sequencing (RNA sequencing, genome sequencing) and/or bioinformatics
* Proficiency in a category level 3 laboratory, virus culturing and serological approaches to virology
* Experience with *in vivo* models
**Academic Staff Roles**
The School will comply with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, which requires all employees to provide documentary evidence of their legal right to work in this country prior to commencing employment. Please be aware that you will be required to bring your passport (and visa if applicable) to interview so that it can be copied and verified. For posts requiring a recognised degree level or equivalent qualification, and where there is no suitable UK or European Economic Area candidate, the School will take the necessary steps to secure UK Border Agency permission for a foreign national to take up employment.
Should a candidate require a Certificate of Sponsorship in order to take up a post they will need to meet the UK Border Agency Tier 2 Points Based Criteria. A self assessment tool can be found on the UK Border Agency website at:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculatorThe candidate may also be required to undertake an English Language test prior to commencing work at the School. Details of Home Office approved tests can be found at:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/pbsapprovedenglishlanguageFurther information on the eligibility criteria for Certificates of Sponsorship can be found at:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points
