Job Description

We have a postdoctoral position available to study host-virus interactions and coevolution in the group of Prof. Yorgo Modis in the University of Cambridge Department of Medicine. The Modis group is part of the Molecular Immunity Unit within the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB). We benefit from the outstanding scientific environment and infrastructure of the MRC-LMB, and from being part of the virology and immunology community as members of the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID).

The group\'s key research questions are: How do cells recognize viral RNA with the necessary sensitivity and specificity? How do cells repress expression of integrated viral genes? And what are the functions of endogenous viral genes that escape repression? We aim to understand these processes at the molecular level by integrating mechanistic insights from structural studies with functional validation in the cellular context. Our projects have important potential applications in global health.

We seek a highly motivated research scientist with a PhD in the biological, biochemical or biomedical sciences, and relevant research experience in protein biochemistry and in macromolecular structure determination by cryoEM image reconstruction. Candidates must have one or more first-author research article(s) published in a peer-reviewed journal or under review with a preprint available. Experience in eukaryotic expression systems, cell-based assays, immunofluorescence microscopy and bioinformatics is desirable.

Candidates in the process of submitting their PhD thesis or awaiting degree conferral will be considered. In this case, appointment would be at the level of Research Assistant, Grade 5. On receipt of PhD award, the appointee would move to Grade 7, Research Associate.

The position is available until 01/11/2025 in the first instance and is funded by the Wellcome Trust.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Prof. Modis at

Click the \'Apply\' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Closing date: 31 August 2023

Interview date: To be confirmed

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter, CV and list of publications, in the Upload section of the online application. 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 quote reference RC37845 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.

Further information

University of Cambridge