Research Associate in Pathogen Genomics (Analysis)

Location: Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health

About the role:

We are seeking an excellent researcher to work on the data handling and pathogen genomic analysis supporting the rollout of a novel diagnostic and sequencing tool for poliovirus. The post is funded by the Gates Foundation and focuses on training in poliovirus direct detection and nanopore sequencing in laboratories globally, analysis of the resulting data to allow validation of the method rollout and demonstration of the added value through epidemiological and genomic analysis

You will work closely with the polio team in the Vaccine Epidemiology Research Group and have access to excellent peer support from with other members of the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis. Working with us, you will be involved in disease surveillance projects and in the analysis of pathogen genomic and epidemiological data generated from the testing and scaling up of a novel poliovirus diagnostic (DDNS; www.polionanopore.org). This is a post that would suit a scientist with expertise in handling epidemiological surveillance and genomic data. The role would involve maintaining collaborative ties with national poliovirus laboratories involved in the scale-up of DDNS to ensure data integrity and security, analysis of the data to allow validation of the method rollout and demonstration of the added value through epidemiological and genomic analysis. Candidates with programming experience would also have the opportunity to collaborate with our project partners at the University of Edinburgh to support the development of analytical software:

(https://github.com/polio-nanopore/piranha).

What you would be doing:

• Manage surveillance and genomic data generated by DDNS rollout
• Work with collaborating partners to ensure data integrity and timeliness
• Analysis of sequence and epidemiological data to validate the method
• Perform epidemiological and genomic analyses in collaboration with project partners to generate public health benefits (e.g. identification of outbreaks, new vaccine-derived poliovirus emergences, geographic spread of polioviruses)
• Support online and in-person training workshops

What we are looking for:

You should hold a PhD (for appointment to Research Associate) in one of the following areas: infectious disease epidemiology, evolutionary biology, mathematics, statistics, computer science or related quantitative discipline.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This role is offered on a full time, fixed term basis until 31 December 2026 in the first instance.  Imperial College is supportive of flexible working. The College is happy to discuss the possibility of implementing such arrangements for this post, with suitably qualified people, subject to operational requirements

Should you have any queries please contact:

Professor Nicholas Grassly (n.grassly@imperial.ac.uk) or

Dr Alex Shaw (a.shaw@imperial.ac.uk).

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