Postdoctoral Researcher in Virology / Vaccinology

*Overview*

DIOSynVax is a biotech startup working to revolutionise the way humanity protects itself from infectious disease and emerging pathogens. We've developed a novel technology to generate vaccines that achieve dramatically higher protection against pathogens, on a significantly accelerated timeline. For starters, we've produced vaccines for Ebola and other deadly haemorrhagic fevers, currently undergoing clinical trials, and are now developing a universal flu vaccine.
We're inviting applications from scientists who are passionate about improving global health with life-saving technology to join our growing, ambitious team at our labs based at the University of Cambridge.

*Role Summary*

At DIOSynVax, you would be taking on a cutting-edge project to develop the world’s first universal influenza vaccine. With funding from Innovate UK, this work involves collaborating with a team to perform a panel of cell-based assays such as Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting, pseudotype virus neutralisation using monoclonal antibodies and survivor sera, and antibody competition assays. Additionally, there is an opportunity to be involved in new bioinformatic approaches to vaccine design, conducting bioinformatic analyses of viral sequences and designing antigens using structural bioinformatics approaches.

The project is based at the Lab of Viral Zoonotics (LVZ), Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge where you will be supervised by Professor Jonathan Heeney, Head of the LVZ, CEO of DIOSynVax and PI of the Innovate UK-funded grant awarded to DIOSynVax Ltd.

*Person Profile*

Qualifications and technical skills:
- Educated to PhD level in a field relevant to virology, with an understanding of vaccinology
- A background in the molecular biology of RNA viruses (knowledge of influenza is desirable)
- An understanding of immunology (innate and adaptive B and T cell responses)
- Experience running T-cell assays
- Desirable: to hold (or have held) a Home Office approved PIL

Transferable skills:
- Enjoy working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary, international group that values teamwork
- Excellent level of oral and written communication skills
- Resourcefulness and a proactive approach to problem solving
- Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment, occasionally facing high-pressure challenges or tight deadlines
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills