Research Associate/Fellow in Sheep Disease Genetics (Fixed term)

Location: Sutton Bonington

Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow in Sheep Disease Genetics This position is part of a 3 year funded BBSRC funded project, titled Establishing the Missing Pieces for a Breeding Selection Programme: TMEM154 and Maedi Visna Resistance in Sheep. The project is an ambitious collaboration between the University of Nottingham and the Moredun Institute and is aimed at developing a viable genetic selection control programme for an intractable infectious viral disease of sheep. The post holder will join the One Virology Strategic Research Area in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science on the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington Campus. 

This position based at Nottingham will have two main focuses. The first focus will be liaison with stakeholders in UK sheep farming: breed societies, diagnostic labs, farmers, veterinarians and industry partner AHDB beef and lamb. Attendance at sheep industry events and UK travel will be required. The aim is to solicit submission of breed data and clinical samples for genotyping and viral sequencing to establish the status of the UK flock with respect to genetic resistance to Maedi Visna. The second focus will be on bio-informatic and genetic sequencing and analysis, in conjunction with the AHDB geneticist. There will be some wet lab work and the candidate will work closely with a second post at Moredun focussed on molecular biology work aimed at determining the function of the TMEM154 gene. The end aim of the project is to develop recommendations for a breeding strategy for UK flocks to reduce the impact of Maedi Visna on sheep production.  

This post is offered on a fixed term basis until 31^st August 2027. Hours of work are full time (36.25 hours). Job share arrangements may be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

In addition to the online application form candidates should submit a CV which gives details of academic qualifications, including class of first degree, a career summary and a full list of any publications.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Rachael Tarlinton rachael.tarllinton@nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this Email address will not be accepted.

It is a condition of this post that satisfactory basic disclosure is obtained from the 'Disclosure and Barring Service'.

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