Research Fellow; Environmental Molecular Virology

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow in Environmental Molecular Virology to join the ’Enviro Flu’ work package of an all-Ireland DAERA-DAFM funded research project (ALLIES-Z Path; All Island of Ireland Surveillance of Zoonotic Pathogens) in the group of Dr Connor Bamford working with QUB collaborators Prof. John McGrath and Dr Deirdre Gilpin based primarily in the School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast.

The successful candidate will work on the Enviro Flu work package seeking to develop and apply novel environmental monitoring approaches to understand and track avian influenza virus ecology, which is important because of pandemics, livestock health, and wildlife/ecology. This is in the context of the wider ‘ALLIES-Z-Path’, which is a 4 year, 3 million Euro strategic cross-border project between QUB and AFBI in NI and UCD and Teagasc in RoI seeking to tackle zoonotic viral threats to both jurisdictions.

The work focuses on emerging animal influenza A viruses, vector-borne flaviviruses, and disease X/Y.

The proposed work builds upon previously published work from the group exploiting wastewater- based epidemiology to track human and avian influenza viruses. Furthermore, exciting preliminary work has applied this to natural environmental samples working with local wildlife reserves. This project will expand this to an-island scale.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in molecular detection and genomics where experience in conducting field sampling and virology/microbiology would be beneficial. This position provides an excellent opportunity for ambitious researchers with interests across virology or disease ecology and the postholder will be embedded within an exciting and interdisciplinary network of researchers at Queen's and beyond in the Northern Ireland Avian Influenza Forum (NIAIF).

• Have or be about to obtain a PhD in Molecular Virology/Microbiology, Molecular Ecology, or related research area.
• Significant, recent, relevant research experience in molecular virology/microbiology in techniques like nucleic acid extraction, RT-qPCR,
• Well-developed understanding of relevant regulations and procedures including Health and Safety requirements and of COSHH regulations
• Interest in interdisciplinary research.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

The post is available for 29 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.