Postdoctoral Fellow - Molecular

Location: The Francis Crick Institute, Midland Road, London

Short summary

The RNA Virus Replication Lab, 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. 

A 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 established in our group (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 clinical samples from the Crick/UCLH Legacy Study.

Key Responsibilities

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.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.

An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL, Imperial College London and King’s College London.

The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under in one building in Europe.

The Francis Crick Institute will be world-class with a strong national role. Its distinctive vision for excellence includes commitments to collaboration; developing emerging talent and exporting it the rest of the UK; public engagement; and helping turn discoveries into treatments as quickly as possible to improve lives and strengthen the economy. 

• If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.
• The closing date for applications is 13/10/2024
• All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.

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