Research Technician in Molecular Virology

UAG; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Generous pension

Gym/Wellbeing discount

Personal development courses

On-site childcare

Shopping discounts

Travel schemes

Job summary

University of Leeds is seeking an enthusiastic Research Technician in Molecular Virology to join a multidisciplinary team studying arbovirus biology. The role involves hands-on molecular biology work, including PCR/qRT-PCR, cloning and protein analyses, to understand how chikungunya virus regulates translation and replication.

The successful candidate will contribute to projects funded by the Medical Research Council, work with human and mosquito host cells, and use RNAseq and infectious clone

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, western blotting).
• Background in virology or working with viruses is preferred.
• Ability to work with arboviruses in a BSL-approved lab is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist with molecular virology experiments studying arboviruses.
• Prepare samples, perform assays and collect data for RNAseq analyses.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Skills

PCR

qRT-PCR

Cloning

Western blotting

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

RNAseq

Job description

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Contract type: Ongoing

Are you an early career researcher looking for a challenge? Do you have a background Virology or Cell Biology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?

Our laboratory is part of a thriving research environment within the Faculty of Biological Sciences, which houses over 100 research groups, 15 of which study viruses. We use a range of cell biology, biochemical, reverse genetic and structural approaches to answer important questions about how viruses control replication and translation of their genomes and interact with the cellular immune response. The majority of our work if focused on mosquito transmitted arboviruses such as chikungunya virus and flaviviruses (such as Dengue virus and Zika virus), with the aim of translating our findings into improved therapeutic intervention and approaches to vaccination.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Technician in Molecular Virology to join our multidisciplinary team studying arbovirus biology. Funded as part of a Medical Research Council award to Dr Tuplin, the project focusses on understanding how chikungunya virus regulates translation and replication of its genome in human and mosquito host cells. The project will use a range of molecular cell biology, RNAseq, infectious clone and structural approaches to increase our understanding of virus biology, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel targets for antiviral intervention

You should have a Degree, BTEC higher level or equivalent or equivalent experience, with experience in molecular and cellular biology (e.g. PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, purification of DNA, SDS PAGE, western blotting), ideally with experience of working with viruses.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was awarded a Silver award in 2020. We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

Dr Andrew Tuplin, Associate Professor of Molecular Virology

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Further details: Candidate Brief

£29,588 to £33,002 per annum (Grade 5)