Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Job description

Animal cells express genes and pathways that naturally inhibit the replication of viruses.  The balance between these innate/intrinsic inhibitors and the many factors that promote replication establishes the tempo of virus infection and, ultimately, contributes to disease outcome.  Research in Prof Malim’s lab primarily addresses interactions between human cells, genes & proteins and pathogenic human viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A virus (IAV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – all with a view to understanding the fundamental principles that underpin virus infection, replication, transmission, zoonosis and pathogenesis.  Projects employ a multi-disciplinary blend of experimental approaches that draws upon molecular-genetic, cultured cell, biochemical, structural, bioinformatic and cohort-based methodologies.    

The Malim lab collaborates closely with Prof Mauro Giacca’s lab on a range of SARS-CoV-2 projects (e.g., Braga, L. et al (2021). Drugs that inhibit TMEM16 proteins block SARS-CoV-2 Spike-induced syncytia. Nature 594, 88-93).  Together, the groups have recently screened a mammalian secretome cDNA expression library and have identified a number of proteins that naturally inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication.  We seek to appoint a post-doctoral research fellow who will work collaboratively across our groups and build on these exciting observations to investigate the mechanistic principles underlying virus suppression by these secreted proteins, and explore how this information may be utilised in therapeutic design.  

The role holder will join a vibrant team of post-doctoral fellows and research associates, post-graduate students and undergraduate/ masters-level students to undertake discovery-inspired and internationally-distinctive research on the replication and control of SARS-CoV-2.  The role requires skills in molecular biology, cell biology, molecular genetics and biochemistry.  The appointee will be expected to display academic and technical leadership and innovation, culminating in research publications, presentations at international meetings/ conferences, and applications for extra-mural research funding. 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 2 years 

This is a full-time  post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

•         To apply and/or develop of a wide range of laboratory techniques and experimental strategies to meet the objectives outlined. Essential to this will be the willingness to work with infectious human viruses in CL3 facilities  

•         The willingness and ability to interact with collaborators and other members of the group working on related projects 

•         To exercise initiative in project planning, development and delivery and work towards a degree of independence without close supervision 

•         To assist with the supervision of research assistants and students at undergraduate, masters and PhD level 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.       PhD or medical equivalent (e.g., MRCP, MRCPath, MD) 

2.       Knowledge of contemporary virology techniques, including some (or all) of the following areas:  cell biology, immunology, biochemistry (e.g., protein purification) and molecular biology  

3.       Evidence of 4* research output or potential 

4.       Active participation in the planning, execution and interpretation of research projects 

5.       Possess a strong reputation in previous field of study for innovation, accuracy and productivity 

6.       Ability to communicate effectively with clinical, academic and managerial colleagues; at King’s and externally 

7.       Ability to organise and co-ordinate the work of other staff members and students 

8.       Ability to self-motivate and work flexible hours 

9.       Ability to work co-operatively and collegially as a team member 

Desirable criteria

1.       Trained in working directly with living pathogens (not essential) 

2.       Knowledge of working with infectious agents in CL3 facilities 

3.       Planning and preparation of applications for extra-mural research funding 

4.       Peer reviewed publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals 

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the