Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Research Associate - ARTIC Sequencing Project

The University of Cambridge is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratories of Professor Ian Goodfellow and Dr Jenny Molloy on an exciting Wellcome Trust funded project focused on putting genomic surveillance at the heart of outbreak response. The ARTIC Network is a global initiative aimed at enhancing pathogen detection and outbreak response through real-time genome sequencing. This role focuses on developing and validating sequencing protocols for infectious disease surveillance, particularly in resource-limited environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, optimize, and implement sequencing protocols suitable for outbreak investigations and pathogen surveillance.
• Develop and produce training materials to support the deployment of sequencing methodologies.
• Conduct field testing of sequencing workflows in collaboration with international partners.
• Organize and deliver hands-on training workshops to support capacity building in genomic surveillance.
• Contribute to open-access dissemination of methodologies, including protocol development and bioinformatics workflows.
• Work collaboratively within the ARTIC Network, engaging with global public health and research organizations.

Essential Requirements:

• A PhD (or equivalent experience) in molecular biology, virology, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS), particularly amplicon-based or metagenomic approaches.
• Strong molecular biology skills, including PCR, library preparation, and nucleic acid extraction.
• Experience in training or capacity-building initiatives, preferably in low-resource settings.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in international, multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in developing field-adapted sequencing protocols.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and pipelines for pathogen genomics.
• Previous involvement in outbreak response or infectious disease surveillance projects.
• Willingness to travel for collaborative visits and training workshops.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to real-world infectious disease outbreak response and genomic surveillance efforts, ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge sequencing technologies.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance (with an opportunity to extend up to 48 months).

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Please quote reference PK44942 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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