Specialist Virology Researcher x2

Reports to:

Crick Covid Surveillance Unit Manager

OVERVIEW

Over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Francis Crick Institute developed a range of COVID-19 research platforms, including a unique high throughput live virus assay platform to quantify neutralising antibody activity against a range of SARS-CoV-2 variants in thousands of samples simultaneously. In collaboration with both clinical researchers and the Worldwide Influenza Centre (WIC) based at the Crick, we have used our microneutralisation platform to show at large scale how immunity to COVID-19 following vaccination and infection differs between healthy adults and clinically vulnerable patients (see references).

PROJECT SUMMARY

We are seeking to appoint talented, collaborative, and self-motivated scientists to fill two full-time on-site laboratory positions within the CSU team. The team is responsible for running the current pipeline and you will either be capable of, or be willing to learn, all aspects of the pipeline to contribute to a dynamic and fluid team. Much of the necessary equipment is in place and the team has access to bioinformatics and IT support as well as access to all the other core facilities at the Crick. You will need to horizon scan in the development of future assay platforms by interacting with Crick researchers and maintain up to date knowledge of high-throughput technologies and machinery as well as virological and immunological techniques and advances.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

These include but are not limited to;

Ensuring the smooth operation of the neutralisation assay pipeline by conducting assays to the highest standards, liaising with all interested parties and team members ensuring clear communication.

Managing workflow and ensuring neutralisation data is generated in a timely manner agreed with end users. The team must be adaptable and flexible in order to quickly adjust ongoing scheduled work to accommodate the unexpected.

Isolation, propagation and genetic/molecular characterisation of newly emerging and reference SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal influenza viruses

Developing and enforcing robust QC measures for the pipeline.

Improving the assay for throughput and data content.

Applying understanding of the assay pipeline to adapting and/or developing new high throughput virological and immunological assays.

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open, and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

Extensive direct experience in cell-based assays, tissue culture, and immunofluorescence-staining techniques

Demonstrable experience of high containment (CL3+) work or previous experience in working with respiratory viruses

Previous direct experience of HT screening campaigns in either Pharma or academia

Experience with high throughput techniques and associated machinery particularly automated microscopes and HCA

Practical experience with a wide range of molecular and cell biology techniques

Desirable:

Post-doctoral research experience or extensive relevant experience in Pharma a distinct advantage

PhD in virology or immunology or high throughput screening

Demonstrable organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise own workload

Experience working in clinical research or working to GCP standards

Previous experience of service provision preferred

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

Read more on our website: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion

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Specialist Virology Researcher