Job Description

We wish to recruit a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the laboratory of Dr Colin Crump within the Division of Virology at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge ( ).

Herpesviruses are ubiquitous viral pathogens that establish life-long latent infections within their hosts, with periodic reactivation events that lead to shedding of infectious viruses and spread to new hosts. Herpesviruses are associated with many serious diseases in humans and animals including life-threating conditions in people with weakened immune systems. The laboratory uses a broad range of molecular and cellular virology approaches to understand how viruses interact with, modify, and antagonise cellular machinery to evade antiviral mechanisms and promote virus replication and spread.

We have recently discovered a novel viral protein complex expressed by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) that targets many host proteins for degradation, particularly cellular factors involved in antiviral responses within the nucleus. This research will investigate the molecular mechanisms by which this viral protein complex remodels the cellular proteome to promote herpesvirus infection. You will contribute to advancing the fundamental understanding of virus-host interactions, antiviral pathways, and mechanisms by which viruses antagonise intracellular cellular defences.

The successful applicant will join a collaborative and inclusive team of researchers within the Division of Virology laboratories on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest center of medical research and health science in Europe. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and gain experience of cutting-edge experimental approaches in molecular and cellular virology including advanced microscopy, protein-protein interaction screens, quantitative mass spectrometry, next generation sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 genetic engineering and working with iPSC cell lines. The successful applicant will benefit from the dynamic, collaborative, and supportive environment of the laboratory, the Virology Division, the wider Department of Pathology and the large infection and immunity research community across Cambridge. The project will also benefit from close collaboration with the groups of Prof. Stephen Graham and Prof. Mike Weekes within Cambridge, and Dr Anna Cliffe at University of Virginia, bringing together leading scientific and technical expertise in cell biology, structural virology, advanced proteomics, and herpesvirus latency. Due to the supportive nature of the laboratory enthusiastic candidates will have the opportunity to learn additional techniques and expand their research skills. Furthermore, we encourage creative thinking when tackling scientific problems and are keen for lab members to adopt new technologies and approaches when appropriate. This project will provide the opportunity for research visits to University of Virginia, USA.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, independent, and enthusiastic, with a track record of successful research in virology, cell biology, immunology, or a related field, commensurate with career stage. Experience with working at containment level 2, cellular and molecular virology techniques, fluorescence microscopy, or proteomics are desirable. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team and a willingness to learn new skills are essential.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

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Please quote reference PK37405 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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