We are inviting applications for a talented and motivated Research Assistant to contribute to a UKRI-funded project in the laboratory of Dr. Suzannah Rihn. This project will address the emerging and re-emerging threats coronaviruses pose to humans by examining the molecular determinants involved in coronavirus cross-species transmission.
In particular, the work will seek to evaluate the zoonotic potential of certain wildlife coronaviruses and will also seek to identify the specific molecular factors that govern their cross-species transmission. This will involve a range of experimental techniques, including genome-scale CRISPR knockout and other host factor screening approaches, virus pseudotyping and the use of reverse genetics for evaluation of virus tropism, along with other experimental and computational approaches. Ultimately, the project aims to utilise these findings to develop new frameworks that can more broadly evaluate virus zoonotic potential, in order to better identify viruses with epidemic or pandemic potential.
Recent publications involving our approaches and related projects include: Rihn et al., PLOS Biology 2021 (PMID: 33630831); Wickenhagen et al., Science 2021 (PMID: 34581622); Sugrue et al., PLOS Pathogens 2022 (PMID: 36399512); Shaw, et al., PLOS Biology 2021 (PMID: 34491982); Rihn et al., J Virol 2019 (PMID: 31375575).
This position is particularly well-suited to candidates with research experience in virology, but candidates with experience in other areas of cellular or molecular biology are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to a positive, friendly and dynamic research environment. Although the Research Assistant will predominantly help support the research of the team, they will also be encouraged to bring their own initiative and contributions to the project.
Candidates are expected to have a BSc or equivalent degree.
Funding is available for this position for two years in the first instance. Informal enquiries can be sent to Dr. Suzannah Rihn ([email protected]).
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
The closing date for applications is: 1st January 2024
The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed
Please quote reference RC39648 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further informationDepartment of Medicine
Salary£29,605-£33,966
ReferenceRC39648
CategoryResearch
Published1 December 2023
Closing date1 January 2024