Research Assistant in Virology at University of Leeds

Overview of the Role

Are you an early career researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have a background in High containment Virology, Cell biology, Antiviral Development and Ion channels? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive Universities?

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join the group of Prof Stephen Griffin, School of Medicine, focused upon an antiviral repurposing project targeting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV2), the aetiological agent of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic. The post, funded by the UKRI Impact Accelerator scheme, is available for six months full time, or as appropriate on a part-time basis.

The project will involve the target validation of newly developed drug repurposing leads against an ion channel target encoded by SARS-CoV2. The work will be contingent upon immediate work at Biological Safety Level 3 containment, as well as drug screening versus channel activity using fluorescence-based assays, detailed analysis of SARS-CoV2 virions, and use of CRISPR-CAS9 modified cell lines in biological screening.

All work will take place under appropriate University of Leeds COVID-19 related guidance for health and safety, incorporating appropriate biological safety, personal protective equipment and social distancing.

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

Prof Stephen Griffin

Email: S.D.C.Griffin@leeds.ac.uk

Additional Information 

Find out more about the Faculty of Medicine and Health, the School of Medicine, and Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s

Find out more about the work of Prof Stephen Griffin

Find out more about Athena Swan in the Faculty of Medicine and Health.

Working at Leeds 

We are a campus based community and regular interaction with campus is an expectation of all roles in line with academic and service needs and the requirements of the role. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Leeds area visit our Working at Leeds information page. 

Our University

As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students and staff from all walks of life. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Within the Faculty of Medicine & Health we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community; people who identify as LGBT+; and disabled people. Candidates will always be selected based on merit and ability. 

Information for disabled candidates

Information for disabled candidates, impairments or health conditions, including requesting alternative formats, can be found on our Accessibility information page or by getting in touch with us at hr@leeds.ac.uk

Criminal Records

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such, applicants are required to declare criminal records accordingly. Appointees may also be required to complete a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) and where relevant, equivalent overseas authorities.

Location: Leeds – St James University Hospital

Faculty/Service: Faculty of Medicine & Health

Working Time: Full-time 1.0 FTE

Contract Type: Fixed Term (Available for 6 months due to external grant income)

Closing Date: Thursday 24 August 2023