Research Assistant/ Associate in Pathogen Genomics (Lab)

Location: White City

About the role:

We are seeking an excellent researcher to work on the testing and rollout of a novel diagnostic and sequencing tool for poliovirus, to support rapid outbreak detection.  The post is funded by the Gates Foundation and focuses on training in poliovirus direct detection and nanopore sequencing in laboratories globally and optimisation of laboratory methods for the detection of poliovirus in stool and wastewater.

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. We are looking for someone with molecular biology experience, particularly PCR from challenging samples and next-generation sequencing, and a strong interest in pathogen genomic epidemiology. Experience handling wastewater samples would be beneficial but not essential. You should also have strong analytical skills and the ability to analyse and present results from pathogen sequencing. You should be willing to travel to Asia and Africa to assist in the delivery of training workshops at the laboratories of collaborative partners and to participate in regular online support meetings.

What you would be doing:

Key objectives are as follows:

• To further develop and optimise laboratory methods for the detection and sequencing of poliovirus
• To prepare next-generation sequencing libraries for the Oxford Nanopore platform and to analyse sequence data
• To support in-person and online training in poliovirus direct detection and nanopore sequencing (DDNS) in laboratories in Africa and Asia
• To develop and test next-generation sequencing approaches to the detection and characterisation of multiple pathogens in stool and wastewater samples
• To work with other members of the research group and with our national and international partners

What we are looking for:

You should Hold a PhD (for appointment to Research Associate) or a first/masters degree (for appointment to Research Assistant) in a relevant laboratory based biomedical or similar subject and an interest in infectious disease epidemiology and/or vaccine research.

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)

If you experience any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We're here to help.

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