Overview
Research Associate in Virology
Starting Salary: £49017 – £57472 per annum plus benefits
Job Type: Full-Time.
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About the role
The Martin-Sancho lab is recruiting a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to study early host defences against mosquito-borne and other emergent viruses.
What you would be doing
The position is funded by the ERC Starting Grant and aims to characterize a novel array of antiviral pathways recently discovered by the lab, initially on dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses. The project will leverage a wide array of approaches including molecular virology, systems biology, functional screening (siRNA and CRISPR), and biochemistry. Experiments will be conducted in CL2 and CL3 laboratory settings. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to foundational antiviral immunity research, leveraging advanced tools to uncover new immune mechanisms and inform future therapeutic strategies
What we are looking for
The ideal applicant is highly motivated, passionate about science and works well in a team. You will be expected to drive the project and perform the highest quality research under the guidance of Dr. Martin-Sancho, as well as supervise other researchers in the lab.
Essential requirements:
- A PhD in virology.
*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £43,863 – £47,223 per annum
- Expertise with virus infections in CL2 conditions.
- Expertise with molecular biology, molecular virology, and biochemistry.
- Experience with cell culture of mammalian cells.
- Evidence of making significant scientific contributions in the field of virology, including scientific. publication and/or presentations at conferences.
- Excellent critical and analytical thinking skills.
- Able to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data and identify follow-up strategies.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interface with the team and collaborators.
- To have a highly motivated and detailed-oriented approach.
Preferred requirements:
- Experience with analysis of OMICs and other large datasets.
- Experience with mammalian primary cells.
- Experience with siRNA assays and high throughput screening.
- Experience with virus infections in CL3 conditions.
What we can offer you
You will join the Martin-Sancho lab (www.martin-sancholab.com) a dynamic and collaborative team at Imperial College London using systems biology to dissect virus-host conflicts and mechanisms of viral disease. Our network includes leading international virology partners, and we place a strong emphasis on scientific growth, collaboration, and career development.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
- As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Further information
This position will be full-time (35 h/w) for an initial two years, with funding available for a possible further three years depending on the project progress.
Interviews will take place in early August 2026.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact: laura.martin-sancho@imperial.ac.uk
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
