The University of Surrey is a public research university located within the county town of Guildford, Surrey, in the South East of England, United Kingdom. The university specializes in science, engineering, medicine and business. It received its charter on 9th September 1966, and was previously situated near Battersea Park in south-west London. The institution was known as Battersea College of Technology before gaining university status. Its roots, however, go back to the Battersea Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1891 to provide further and higher education for London's poorer inhabitants.
Position available: A postdoctoral position to study the mechanisms and functional roles of translational control during norovirus infection is available in Dr Nicolas Locker's lab from January 2016.
Job description:
- To undertake research in accordance with the specified research project(s) under the supervision of the principal investigator.
- Plan and conduct research in the area of virology and gene expression regulation.
- Supervise projects for in collaboration with PhD, M.Sc or B.Sc students.
- Present research seminars internally, at national and international conferences.
- Liaise with our collaborators in the Goodfellow team at the University of Cambridge.
Main Responsibilities/Activities:
- To undertake a range of research activities within a specified research area, assuming responsibility for specific areas of projects and making use of new research techniques and methods, in consultation with the research award holder or supervisor. This may include fieldwork, interviews, laboratory experimentation, critical evaluation and interpretation, computer-based data analysis and evaluation or library research.
- Using initiative and creativity to identify areas for research develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio. Analysing and interpreting results of own research. Write up results and prepare papers for submission to appropriate journals and conferences, and other outputs as required and/or appropriate.
- Attend appropriate conferences for the purpose of disseminating research results of personal development. The post holder may also contribute to writing bids for research grants and will contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in areas of research. Continually to update knowledge and develop skills, and translate knowledge of advances in the area into research activity.
- To plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others.
- To carry out administrative tasks associated with specified research funding, for example risk assessment of research activities, organisation of project meetings and documentation. Implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely formal reporting and financial control.
- To contribute to teaching in the Faculty by carrying out student supervision and/or demonstrating within the post holder’s area of expertise and under the direct guidance of a member of departmental academic staff, as appropriate.
- The post holder may occasionally be required to supervise more junior research staff.
- To be available to participate in fieldwork as required by the specified research project .
Salary: £30,738 to £32,600 per annum
Qualifications:
The post holder must have:
- A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline (although individuals who have almost completed a doctoral degree may be appointed). Consideration may also be given to individuals who do not hold a doctoral degree but have required skills based on a number of years experience in specified / relevant fields
- The post holder will have authority over some aspects of project work and must be capable of providing academic judgement, offering original and creative thoughts and be able to interpret and analyse results.
Essential:
- PhD in the area of molecular biology/Biochemistry/cell-biology/virology
- Knowledge of gene expression regulation and translational control in eukaryotes
- Proven working experience with molecular biology, Biochemistry and cell-biology methods
- First author publication in high-quality biomedical journal
- Expertise with mRNA biology, possibly polysome/ribosome profiling methods
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and plan
- Excellent computer skills
Desirable:
- Bioinformatics and programming skills
- Experience with mammalian cell culture
- Expertise with virology methods
- Track record of publications in relevant areas
How to apply:
Interested and eligible candidates are requested to apply online through the University website.The closing date for applications is 29th November, 2015.
For further queries, contact Dr Nicolas Locker via email (n.locker@surrey.ac.uk) or telephone (01483 689719).