Research Assistant

Interview Date: Friday 19 July 2024

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. 

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.  

The School of Biosciences hosts a vibrant community of researchers exploring multiple aspects of human biology, amongst which the Section of Virology stands out for its bold vision and expertise in classical virology, molecular biology and cellular biology, omics technologies and imaging. 

The role

We are seeking to appoint a graduate research assistant to work, part time (0.6 FTE) fixed term contract, on host-virus interactions within the molecular virology group led by Dr Carlos Maluquer de Motes. 

The work will explore how orthopoxviruses (amongst which the recently emerged monkeypox virus) defeat host defenses to establish infection in human skin and immune cells, and how this information can be used to develop novel antiviral strategies. In recent years, the group has identified cellular mechanisms that activate immune responses and how these are modulated by viruses (for a flavour of what we do, see PMID 32948585; PMID 33735254, PMID 30258003). This is therefore an exciting multi-angle project ideal for a driven graduate interested in learning and training at the interface of viruses, innate immunity, and skin biology. The post is funded by the Rosetrees Trust.

You will design and conduct your own experiments and analyse the data as well as support the team with complex experiments. You will work collaboratively with the extended research team, keeping records of activities, delivering internal presentations and contributing to all aspects of laboratory life. You will be joining a group consisting of two post-doctoral researchers and two PhD students at different stages of their studies, based in the School of Biosciences in the Stag Hill University campus.

About you

You will have a BSc Degree or equivalent qualification in Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Infection, Immunity, or a related field; an inquisitive and innovative mind striving to accomplish high quality work; experience working as part of a team; and excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills. Previous experience in laboratories and/or a MSc Degree are desirable, but not essential. 

How to apply

Applications are submitted through the University website. Please submit your CV (including a list of modules and marks) and a cover letter indicating your interests and motivation for the post. 

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview (in person or on-line) on the week commencing July 15^th for a start in September 2024.

For informal enquiries e-mail Dr Carlos Maluquer de Motes via: c.maluquerdemotes@surrey.ac.uk.

Further details:   

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply' button above.
 
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

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