Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular

Job title:

Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular

Company

Francis Crick Institute

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow – MolecularContact term:This is a full-time, fixed term position (4 years) on Crick terms and conditions of employment.Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.The Research GroupThe , headed by Dr David LV Bauer, was established in 2020 at the Francis Crick Institute. Our lab seeks to understand how RNA viruses replicate, how the unique properties of their RNA genome contribute to this process, and how immunity develops and in turn influences viral replication and evolution. We largely focus on influenza and coronaviruses.Our lab borrows tools from biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, genomics, and bioinformatics. We use a wide range of models (from animals and human samples, to cultured cells and purified in vitro proteins), and take advantage of the fact that the Crick is the largest biomedical institute under one roof in Europe, with considerable BSL-3 and ABSL-3 facilities, and integration with on-site core facilities ( : Genomics, Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, High Throughput Screening, in vivo imaging, etc.). We are an active part of the UK’s virology community, working with colleagues in the -UK Consortium, the , the , and the Crick’s , one of seven WHO Collaborating Centres for influenza. This collaborative environment has helped us build a strong track record of translating our research into policy and treatment, ably assisted by the Crick’s .Our team is multi-disciplinary and currently composed of three PhD students, one undergraduate student, two post-doctoral fellows, two senior laboratory research scientists, and one bioinformatician. We are a diverse group of scientists, from a wide range of backgrounds – scientific and otherwise – and believe that our best work comes from working together in a fun, positive, motivating, and exciting atmosphere.About The CrickThe Francis Crick Institute provides an outstanding community and scientific environment for postdoctoral training, with an excellent . Opportunities include the post-doc to PI transition training (optional), a wide range of training opportunities in computational/ experimental/out-of-the-lab skills, the opportunity to hire/supervise summer students, support for applying for external fellowships, the opportunity to organise scientific meetings and the potential to have collaborative projects with industry.The ProjectA potential project is to explore the molecular basis of RNA virus replication, focusing on viral genome transcription, replication, and packaging. (Please note that there is a separate position being advertised for in vivo-focused work on persistent infections as well.)Some specific aims could take advantage of the resources available within our group and the wider institute:Examine molecular interactions between host/viral proteins and viral RNA using sequencing-based approaches (e.g. iCLIP, SHAPE-MaP, SPLASH, KARR-seq).Probe mechanisms of genome replication and packaging in infected cells, using established reverse genetics approaches coupled with Crick core facility expertise in structural biology and microscopy (cryoEM, cryoET, CLEM, and super-resolution microscopy)Dissect how viral gene expression patterns drive disease severity and patient immunity, using targeted, direct viral RNAseq established in the lab on .The successful candidate will have the opportunity to decide on the exact project(s) they want to undertake during their postdoc time in the lab, and could choose one of these projects or decide to undertake a new, independent project within the lab’s interests.Overall, Postdoctoral Fellows will lead their own research project(s) and may contribute to other collaborative projects. They are expected to contribute to a positive lab culture, share their expertise, and train other colleagues. Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to take advantage of the training and network opportunities at the Crick, and are encouraged to build their own independence and leadership in research through attendance at national and international scientific meetings, applications for competitive fellowships, and to take the lead in managing their own research with collaborators and the Crick’s core facilities (Science and Technology Platforms).Key experience and competenciesThe post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open, and collegial, in addition to the following:EssentialPhD in Virology, or a PhD in Molecular Biology, Structural Biology or similar fields with a strong interest in virology. You may also be in the final stages of PhD submission.Good knowledge and experience in molecular biology and cell cultureTrack record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journalsEvidence of data presentation at scientific meetingsExperience of experimental designExcellent communication skills to enable close working with lab members, collaborators, and relevant core facilities, while able to also work independently to drive projects forwardDesirableExperience with molecular techniques for RNA:protein interactionsExperience working with influenza viruses, coronaviruses, or rotavirusesExperience with high-throughput sequencing methodsExperience using advanced light microscopy or electron microscopyExperience in using bioinformatics tools for sequence analysisFind out what benefits the Crick has to offer:For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here:Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.Read more on our website:

Expected salary

Location

London

Job date

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 22:37:35 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (globalvacancies.org) you saw this job posting.