Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Arbovirus Refractory Team

Keele University; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay with annual increments

Generous annual leave entitlement

Excellent staff pension scheme

Continued professional development

On-site nursery

Discounted health & fitness facilities

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Keele University’s School of Life Sciences invites applications for a Fixed Term Postdoctoral Research Associate. You will lead a work package in a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship program focused on reducing mosquito-borne disease transmission through novel Alphavirus control strategies, including transgenic mosquitoes and gene-based approaches.

The role offers hands-on laboratory and analytical training, plus opportunities for international collaboration and professional development within a

Qualifications

• Experience with Hazard Group 2 pathogenic viruses desirable.
• Plasmid design and cloning experience preferred.
• Molecular biology and virology lab techniques proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a work package within a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project.
• Conduct molecular/virology experiments and mosquito interaction studies.
• Collaborate with team partners and participate in training visits (Estonia).

Job description

Fixed Term for three years

The Opportunity

This post represents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join a research team in Keele University’s School of Life Sciences. The Postdoctoral Research Associate position forms part of a UKRI Future Leader Fellowship research project within the Arbovirus (arthropod-borne viruses) Refractory Team. Our team focuses on utilizing knowledge on how viruses function in our effort to stop their dissemination. We use genetic modification of both viruses and mosquitoes in an effort to develop novel technologies to control arbovirus transmission independent of conventional insecticides.

The successful candidate will take the lead on one of the work packages forming a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship research program, aiming to reduce the burden of mosquito-borne infectious diseases. This project aims to develop a novel technology against the dissemination of Alphaviruses by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a range of laboratory and analytical skills, strengthen their personal professional development through courses and workshops as well as visiting one of our project partners in Estonia for hands‑on training in one of the leading Alphavirus research laboratories.

Routine tasks of the successful candidate will involve molecular and virology techniques, plasmid design and cloning, mosquito maintenance as well as mosquito‑virus interaction studies at Containment Level 2 and 3. They will be joining a dynamic and interactive team of researchers with a passion for virus research and science in general. The successful candidate will have experience working with Hazard Group 2 pathogenic viruses (experience working with HG3 viruses is desirable), be proficient in a range of molecular and cell culture techniques and be able to come up with creative and innovative solutions to research challenges. The post will also entail generating transgenic mosquitoes and reverse genetics virus systems, therefore experience in plasmid design and cloning, insect transgenesis and mosquito maintenance is desirable.

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:

• Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
• Excellent staff pension scheme
• Access to continued personal, professional and career development
• On site ‘outstanding’ nursery
• Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 12,500 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world‑class research. Further information can be found at on our website.

Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

Please note this appointment is subject to medical clearance by the University’s Occupational Health provider.

Closing Date: 10th December 2026

Post reference: KU00005435