Research Fellow in Virology (Maluquer Lab)

About the role

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position within the molecular virology group led by Dr Carlos Maluquer de Motes at the University of Surrey (United Kingdom) to study poxvirus immune evasion and translate that knowledge into therapeutic strategies. The post is funded by MRC with funds available for this contract in the first instance, although applications for further funding are ongoing.

In recent years, the group has identified cellular defense mechanisms that sense and protect against poxvirus infection. See references below for a flavour of what we do. With the (re)-emergence of monkeypox virus, the group is now establishing a line of research aimed at developing novel therapeutic avenues against this novel global pathogen, including vaccines and antivirals. 

• Ndodo et al. (2023) Nature Medicine, 29:2317. PMID 37710003
• Maluquer de Motes, C (2021) PLOS Pathogens, 17:e1009372. PMID 33735254.
• Hernaez et al. (2020) Science Advances, 6:eabb4565. PMID 32948585.
• Odon et al. (2018) Journal of Virology, 92:e01374-18. PMID 30258003.

This project involves the development and validation of a novel vaccine prototype against mpox. Whilst successful proof-of-concept data have been gathered, there is room to improve the prototype and validate it in vitro and in vivo. We are now seeking to appoint a post-doctoral researcher that can lead this second phase of the project, which will also involve the application for further funding to continue this exciting research. There will be therefore opportunities for the appointee to get involved in the process of writing and bidding for extramural funding. 

About you

The candidate will use traditional biochemical and cellular functional assays to study correlates of immunogenicity in cells and from animal models of vaccination. Whilst being in possession of animal license might help, this is not essential. Experience with flow cytometry and/or immunological readouts for T and B cell activation would be highly beneficial. We are expecting you to have:

• A PhD in Virology, Immunology, Vaccinology, or a related field;
• A strong publication record (commensurate to your career stage and experience) with at least one first-author publication;
• Expertise in any of the relevant areas of research (innate immunity, virology, vaccinology);
• An inquisitive and innovative mind striving to accomplish high quality work;
• Experience working as part of a team;
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills;

The candidate will be joining a group consisting of another post-doctoral researcher, 2 PhD students and 1 research assistant. We are based at the School of Biosciences and Medicine (SBM), which facilitates access to state-of-the-art facilities and brings an international collegiate mass of researchers dedicated to the multidisciplinary study of human health, including specific sections for virology, bacteriology, immunology, biochemistry and systems biology. The Virology Section is an expanding unit with 4 independent group leaders and >20 researchers with complementary interests in multiple aspects of virus biology. 

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter indicating your interests and motivation for the post and how your skills fulfil the requirements above. 

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview (remotely or in-person) on w/c March 3^rd. 

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to informally discuss the post with 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 online' button above.

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