Applications are invited to recruit a postdoctoral scientist to work with Professor Sam J Wilson in a friendly and dynamic research group that aims to understand the molecular details of why viruses can thrive in some situations but are unable to infect or replicate in others. Key processes such as viral transmission, emergence and pathogenesis are underpinned by the ability of viruses to replicate in cells from a certain species, colonize particular tissues or endure in the face of activated antiviral defences. In the future, we believe that understanding antiviral defences will help us predict which viruses are likely to emerge in human populations and inform the design of new therapeutics.
The main aim of this specific project is to understand the innate immune defences that limit the emergence and pathogenesis of pandemic viruses, such as coronaviruses and influenza A viruses, in humans. Recent publications related to our approaches and this project include https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abj3624 and https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06261-8.
The work will be pursued in the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID). This new building provides an exceptional and stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research, has state-of-the-art facilities, and is housed on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus alongside the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute.
Relevant research experience in molecular virology and/or innate immunity is desirable. Candidates should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in a relevant discipline and have a capacity to apply initiative and creativity to solve biological problems.
Applicants will be expected to work closely and interactively with colleagues in different disciplines within and beyond the lab and have good communication skills.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD, or an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once PhD has been awarded.
Informal enquiries can be sent to Professor Sam J Wilson (sjw58@cam.ac.uk) Website: https://www.citiid.cam.ac.uk/sam-wilson/
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
The closing date for applications is: 1st October 2023
The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed
Please quote reference RC38247 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.