Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - World Influenza Centre

In the Crick's World Influenza Centre.

Applies an in-depth knowledge of research, technical or other scientific practices, methods and procedures gained through either experience and/or formal academic qualifications and applies this knowledge to provide a range of specialist activities. Senior Laboratory Research Scientist is the level at which careers in this functional family typically stabilise.
Deadline for applications has passed.

Key information

Job reference
R1104
Salary
From £36,500, plus benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Applications closed
20 March 2023, 23:59 GMT
Hours per week
36 (full time)
Contact
Email administrator
Posted 06 March 2023

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - World Influenza Centre

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.  

The Role

A senior laboratory research scientist is required responsible for the day-to-day running of the zoonotic influenza laboratory work in WIC and contribute to the work of WIC on supporting the work of the Institute on Influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The post-holder would work on at all levels of biological containment, seasonal influenza at Containment Level 2, and non-seasonal (zoonotic and potentially pandemic) influenza work at CL-3 and CL-4, to carry out pandemic preparedness research work within WIC, an essential part of the responsibilities of WIC as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Influenza, under the supervision of the Director of WIC.

SARS-CoV-2 work will include collaborating with the Covid Surveillance Unit (CSU), working on SARS-CoV-2 and coordinating the support given to various other research groups within the Crick with live SARS-CoV-2 virus assays. This work will also be done at high containment, Containment Level 3 (CL-3).

Main duties and responsibilities

  • To propagate and characterise zoonotic and potentially pandemic influenza viruses;

  • To develop with senior WIC staff and carry out research programmes on zoonotic and potentially pandemic influenza viruses;

  • Working in the WIC to propagate and characterise seasonal influenza viruses;

  • To carry out the isolation, propagation and genetic and antigenic characterisation of newly emerging and reference SARS-CoV-2 viruses;

  • To prepare presentations on the outputs of the post-holder’s research activities;

  • To prepare reports for WHO and WHO Regional Offices and others, as required, on the characteristics of seasonal, zoonotic and potentially pandemic influenza viruses;

Working Relationships

  • Assistant Director of WIC

  • Director of WIC

  • Deputy Director of WIC

  • Other WIC Laboratory Research Scientists,

  • The Head of the CSU

  • External collaborators

Key experience and competencies

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

Essential

  • BSc and MSc, or equivalent, with significant previous experience in working on influenza or other respiratory viruses;

  • Experience of working at Containment Level -2;

  • Familiarity with laboratory databases;

  • A proven track record of meeting overall standards in an analytical virology laboratory;

  • A proven track record of working with limited supervision;

  • An ability to communicate both straightforward and complex, information to a broad range of internal and external audiences;

  • Productive working in a team environment;

  • A proven track record of maintaining professional development in relevant scientific areas through scientific meetings, seminars and literature.

Desirable

  • Experience of working in high level containment (CL-3 and/or CL-4);

  • Publication in peer reviewed journals

  • Experience of work with embryonated hens’ eggs for virus propagation

  • Experience of working in a laboratory within the WHO GISRS, or equivalent

  • Specific experience and expertise in:

    • Biochemical, serological and biophysical analysis of influenza or other respiratory viruses,

    • Gene sequencing and analysis of influenza or other respiratory viruses

About Us

At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.

We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.

We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.

We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.

All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. If you require a visa to work in the UK, we will help support your application should you be successful.