University of Cambridge
Department of Veterinary Medicine
West Cambridge Site

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Immunogenomics

Salary: £32,236.00 - £39,609.00 (Grade 7)

Limit of Tenure: 7 months

Applications are invited for this fixed-term postdoctoral position, funded by a grant from the US government (DARPA), on a project aiming to develop solutions to reduce the risk of zoonotic spillover from bats globally.

The multi-disciplinary research project will be carried out by an international consortium, led by Montana State University (Dr Raina Plowright) with the University of Cambridge, Cornell University, the University of California (Los Angeles and Berkeley), NIH Rocky Mountain Labs, Griffith University, the Zoological Society of London and the University of Ghana. The aims of the project are (1) to characterise the genetic and phenotypic diversity of Henipaviruses across three continents, their associations to local bat species and their potential for spillover; (2) develop a suite of mathematical models for the dynamics and evolution of Henipaviruses in bats and in spillover species; (3) design and test experimental tools that can reduce virus spillover from bats.

Under Dr Restif’s direction, the PDRA will be tasked with the analysis of large-scale transcriptome data, with the goal of characterising gene expression changes of two bat species in response to viral immune challenges (as part of aim 1 above).

Applicants should have a PhD in immunology, bioinformatics, systems biology or a related discipline, should have good knowledge of vertebrate immunogenomics and advanced bioinformatic skills, with emphasis on RNA-seq data analysis, differential gene expression and functional annotation workflows. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, have good administrative and interpersonal skills, and high computer literacy.

Applicants should submit a CHRIS/6, CV, covering letter outlining suitability for the role and contact details for two references.
Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Further particulars for the role and information about the Department www.vet.cam.ac.uk
Informal enquiries should be directed to Helen Boyle (hmab3@cam.ac.uk)

Closing date 15 May 2019

Interviews will be held on 31 May 2019

Please note that shortlisted candidates will be expected to make a presentation at interview.