Research Fellow: Molecular Virology research

To be a highly productive, ambitious and collaborative member of a Molecular Virology research team led by Dr. Ultan Power in the
Centre for Experimental Medicine. The position will involve working as part of a BBSRC research programme that seeks to develop
and study novel virus vector platforms for vaccines both in vitro and in vivo. We are particularly interested in developing reverse
genetics systems to rescue replication-incompetent paramyxoviruses as vaccine vectors for antigens from important respiratory viruses. This research programme involves close collaboration with Prof. Louise Cosby (Agri-Food Biosciences Institute, Northern Ireland), Drs. Barney Graham and Peter Kwong, (Vaccine Research Centre, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease,
USA), and Prof. Biao He (Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, USA). The post is
a senior role in the team and as such, successful applicants will have responsibilities in independent research, supervision, planning,
day-to-day lab management, collaborations and outreach. The post is suited to a highly ambitious individual, preferably with relevant
previous postdoctoral experience and is available for 3 years.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Develop, plan and deliver an area of personal research and expertise, and/or undertake research under supervision within a research programme aimed at developing novel reverse genetics systems for replication-incompetent paramyxoviruses.
• Specific activities may include molecular construction of paramyxovirus infectious clones, development of helper cell lines for rescue of replication-incompetent paramyxoviruses, in vitro and in vivo characterisation of rescued viruses (virus infectivity and growth kinetics in cell culture, vaccine antigen expression kinetics; immunogenicity, safety and protective efficacy in relevant animal models).
• Develop and implement, with support, a highly ambitious personal career development plan in the course of the post.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the field of interest at the cutting edge and communicate same to the group.
• Design, develop and refine experimental protocols, models or experiments in order to obtain reliable and reproducible data of the vaccine potential of the novel recombinant paramyxovirus vaccines.
• Carry out analyses, critical evaluations and interpretations of experimental data and the literature using methodologies and other techniques appropriate to area of research.
• Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group, other groups within the Centre/University, to external audiences nationally and internationally to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• Prepare, often in consultation with supervisor, material for publication in national and international journals and presentations at international conferences.
• Assist grant holder in the preparation of funding proposals and applications as well as project progress reports to external bodies. Prepare competitive applications for own funding such as travel grants, project grants and fellowship applications.
• Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the research projects/group to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget and that the group functions efficiently. These might include organisation of project/group meetings and documentation, financial control, stock management/procurement, risk assessment of research activities and development of
• SOPs. Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the day-to-day running of the research group in a communal lab setting.
• Carry out school/undergraduate/post-graduate student and visiting researcher training and supervision, demonstrating, tutoring or lecturing duties within the post holder’s area of expertise and under the guidance of a member of academic staff.
• Participate, and in some cases lead outreach activities on behalf of the group/Centre.
• Participate in local research-related activities such as journal clubs, training sessions, seminar series etc.
• Assist in assessment of research communications and data, particularly within the group.
• Additional research and/or laboratory related duties including outreach activities, within the general range of the post and competence of post holder.

Planning and Organising:

• Plan for specific aspects of research programme.
• Timescales range from 1-18 months in advance and may contribute to overall research group planning.
• Plan for access to, and use of, research resources, laboratories and workshops where appropriate.
• Plan own day-to-day activity within framework of the agreed research programme as well as communal activities (e.g. meetings) were appropriate.
• Plan up to 5 years in advance to meet deadlines for grant applications, journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences and meetings.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group and collaborative research groups regarding work progress and stock management.
• Assist in training other group members on effective planning and organisation. Resource Management Responsibilities:
• Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner, including liaising with vendors and collaborators.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any post-graduate/under-graduate students and visiting researchers who may be assisting with work of the group.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Liaise on a regular basis with supervisor, colleagues, students and collaborators.
• Communicate appropriately and effectively with lab colleagues topics such as latest research findings/results within the group and field.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
• Travel to, and present at scientific meetings and work in collaborative laboratories when necessary.
• Join external networks to share information and ideas and help develop and maintain external collaborations, as appropriate.
• Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by developing links with local community groups, industries etc.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Have a PhD in Virology, Immunology, Vaccinology, or a closely related area.
• At least 3 years recent research experience in molecular virology, immunology and/or vaccinology.
• Recent extensive hands-on experience in at least two of the following: advanced virology; advanced molecular biology; advanced flow cytometry; advanced vaccinology; AND Recent extensive hands-on experience in at least two of the following: advanced antiviral antibody quantification and characterisation; advanced T cell biology; extensive experience in the generation and characterisation of stably transfected eukaryotic cells lines; extensive experience with in vivo infectious disease models.
• Recent high-quality original research publications as first author in reputable peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with career stage.
• Experience teaching/supervising /mentoring postgraduate/ undergraduate/school students and visiting researchers in the laboratory. Methodical approach to project management and meticulous in regards to experimental procedures and record keeping.
• Highly ambitious, motivated, efficient, organised and show a commitment to, and interest in, research topic.
• Competent in maintaining knowledge of cutting-edge of field of expertise.
• Competent in giving effective and informative oral and poster presentations.
• Competent in communicating stipulated research skills essential to the post in CV/job application.
• Strong ability to work from own initiative.
• Excellent team working skills in multiple internal and external team settings.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Must be willing to travel to national and international meetings and collaborative laboratories. Irregular hours including evening, weekend and other out-of-hours working will be a component of the research at times. Leadership qualities.