Research Technician in Molecular Virology

University of Leeds; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site childcare

Athena SWAN commitment

Gym/fitness facilities discount

Job summary

University of Leeds is seeking a Research Technician in Molecular Virology to join a multidisciplinary team investigating arbovirus biology, including chikungunya and flaviviruses. The role focuses on molecular and cellular biology techniques, RNAseq and infectious clone approaches to understand translation and replication of viral genomes in human and mosquito cells.

Applicants should hold a Degree or equivalent, with experience in PCR, cloning, and protein analyses; the lab offers a

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, DNA purification, SDS-PAGE and western blotting).
• Degree, BTEC higher level or equivalent experience, ideally with experience of working with viruses.

Responsibilities

• Join a multidisciplinary team studying arbovirus biology and translation/replication of viral genomes.
• Utilise molecular cell biology, RNAseq, infectious clone and structural approaches to understand virus biology.
• Contribute to antiviral target identification and collaboration within the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Skills

PCR

qRT-PCR

Cloning

DNA purification

SDS-PAGE

Western blotting

Virus handling experience

Education

Degree

BTEC Higher Level

Job description

Research Technician in Molecular Virology

Research Technician in Molecular virology

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!
• 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!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Andrew Tuplin, Associate Professor of Molecular Virology