Postdoctoral Research Associate

This post represents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join a research team in Keele University's School of Life Sciences. The Postdoctoral Research Associate position forms part of a UKRI Future Leader Fellowship research project within the Arbovirus (arthropod-borne viruses) Refractory Team. Our team focuses on utilizing knowledge on how viruses function in our effort to stop their dissemination. We use genetic modification of both viruses and mosquitoes in an effort to develop novel technologies to control arbovirus transmission independent of conventional insecticides.

The successful candidate will take the lead on one of the work packages forming a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship research programme aiming to reduce the burden of mosquito-borne infectious diseases. In particular, this part of the project aims to further our knowledge of insect specific viruses (ISVs) and explore their potential as a biotechnology tool. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a range of laboratory and analytical skills, strengthen their personal professional development through courses and workshops as well as visiting one of our project partners in Estonia for hands-on training in one of the leading Alphavirus research laboratories.

Routine tasks of the successful candidate will involve molecular and virology techniques, plasmid design and cloning, mosquito maintenance and mosquito transgenesis as well as mosquito-virus interaction studies at Containment Level 2. They will be joining a dynamic and interactive team of researchers with a passion for virus research and science in general.

The successful candidate will ideally have experience working with Hazard Group 2 pathogenic viruses, be proficient in a range of molecular and cell culture techniques and be able to come up with creative and innovative solutions to research challenges. The post will also entail developing reverse genetics virus systems, therefore experience in plasmid design and cloning is desirable.

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:

- Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
- Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
- Excellent staff pension scheme
- Access to continued personal, professional and career development
- On site 'outstanding' nursery
- Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
- Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.

This appointment is subject to medical clearance by the University's Occupational Health provider.