Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cellular Biomedical Science

Job description An ERC-funded postdoctoral research fellow position is available immediately in the laboratories of Professors Lucy Di Silvio (Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences) & Stuart Neil (Infectious Diseases) as part of a multi-institutional ‘Surface Transfer of Pathogens (STOP)’ partnership. An exciting opportunity for a hardworking and highly motivated researcher to be part of a large consortium developing new antimicrobial surface treatments to prevent environmental transmission of microbial pathogens in high-risk areas. We are seeking an experienced and ambitious postdoctoral research fellow to lead the KCL work package aspects of the STOP proposal based in a highly successful and dynamic research and teaching institute. The STOP project consortium will develop antimicrobial and antiviral nanocoating’s to provide broad spectrum antimicrobial antiviral activity and reduce the chances of the development of resistance. To this end, the mode-of-action, and the risk of selection for antimicrobial resistance in bacteria and viruses will be assessed. The successful postholder will be responsible for characterizing the effects of lead compounds and surface treatments on the infectivity of selected human pathogenic viruses; understand their mode of action and prospects of viral evasion and assess their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility on model human tissues. This work will be conducted between the Neil and Di-Silvio groups and the postholder will have responsibility for running of the KCL part of the project, with respect to the strict timelines and deliverables, as well as the intellectual direction of the mechanistic understanding of antiviral properties and compatibility of the selected developed materials. The successful candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant discipline of molecular or cellular biomedical science and will have extensive experience in the handling and assaying of diverse mammalian viruses including those at BSL3 containment. They will be highly motivated, have a track record in conducting independent research, possess excellent communication and writing skills and show a strong commitment to high quality research and working to deadlines. In addition, have the ability to both lead and work collegially across the multidisciplinary groups

This post will be offered on a fixed term contract for 41 months This is a full-time /post – 100 % full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Day-to-day running of the experimentation related to the project.

• Record keeping and data analysis, time sheets.

• Presenting data at STOP consortium meetings, internal lab and departmental seminars and international scientific meetings

• Collegial responsibilities to the management of the laboratory as part of the team

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. Skills, knowledge, and experience Essential criteria

• A PhD or equivalent in virology or relevant biomedical science

• Extensive experience in molecular biology and biochemistry

• Experience in the culture and assay of mammalian viruses

• Evidence of ability to engage in high-level research in an interdisciplinary context and travel to other sites to conduct research work and meetings.

• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities.

• Track record of publication of primary research

• Flow cytometry or immunofluorescent microscopy techniques

• Ability to plan work under pressure and to deadlines and prioritise according to agreed goals.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written; willingness to network with collaborators on research projects

Desirable criteria

• Ability to work unsupervised and exercise initiative in different.

directions as the project evolves.

• Supervisory, planning and organising skills particularly in relation to

experimental design and project management.

• Flexible, cooperative and a willingness to work outside normal hours

when required. Further information At interview, ccandidate’s will be required to present a 30-minute summary of their previous research and meet with various member of the groups and department throughout the day. Interviews may be held in person or over TEAMS or ZOOM