Postdoctoral Research Associate

We are seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to take a leading role in this exciting MRC New Investigator Research Grant (NIRG) project led by Dr Efstathios (Stathis) Giotis (PI), Decoding the mild pathobiology of common cold coronaviruses to identify targets of pan-coronavirus antiviral strategies.

The PDRA will contribute across multiple key aspects of the research, including:

• Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses: using bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing approaches to uncover host factors and cellular mechanisms driving coronavirus infections.
• Development and use of 3D airway epithelial models: Establishing cutting-edge organotypic models to replicate respiratory tract environments and study virus-host interactions.
• Generation of novel cell lines for seasonal coronaviruses: Engineering cell lines tailored to support the replication of elusive coronaviruses like HCoV-HKU1, enabling deeper mechanistic studies and expanding the experimental toolkit for coronavirus research.

This role offers the unique opportunity to work at the forefront of virology, combining wet-lab experimentation with computational approaches. The PDRA will collaborate with leading experts in virology, immunology, and bioinformatics, leveraging a robust network of partners to deliver impactful research that advances global pandemic preparedness. Comprehensive training in both bioinformatic analyses and 3D airway epithelial models will be provided through collaborations, ensuring the successful candidate develops broad expertise in these cutting-edge methodologies.

The successful candidate will be joining a vibrant and friendly group of researchers in the Giotis Lab (https://www.giotislab.com), a multidisciplinary research group focused on seasonal coronaviruses. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with other members of our research group. Applicants who wish to be considered for this position must also display an ability to undertake project management, method development, data collection and analysis, as they join a collaborative and highly motivated team of researchers. This position is funded for a period of 36 months.

As part of joining our lab, the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to contribute and gain experience in group development, mentoring, grant writing, and actively driving multiple projects and research articles.

Please note, the successful candidate will be appointed to the post of Senior Research Officer.

Skills and qualifications required

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Virology, or another discipline relevant to the project, or be close to completion of PhD. Along with a Bachelor’s-level degree in Biological/Life Sciences or another discipline relevant to the project.

You will have the ability and willingness to complement and enhance the research project/department/school’s education and research strengths and areas of planned development. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, good organisational and time management skills are all essential to this post.

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.

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