Postdoctoral Fellow - Molecular

Some specific aims could take advantage of the resources available within our group and the wider institute:

• Examine molecular interactions between host/viral proteins and viral RNA using sequencing-based approaches established in our group (e.g. iCLIP, SHAPE-MaP, SPLASH, KARR-seq).
• Probe mechanisms of genome replication and packaging in infected cells, using established reverse genetics approaches coupled with Crick core facility expertise in structural biology and microscopy (cryoEM, cryoET, CLEM, and super-resolution microscopy)
• Dissect how viral gene expression patterns drive disease severity and patient immunity, using targeted, direct viral RNAseq established in the lab on clinical samples from the Crick/UCLH Legacy Study.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to decide on the exact project(s) they want to undertake during their postdoc time in the lab, and could choose one of these projects or decide to undertake a new, independent project within the lab's interests. Overall, Postdoctoral Fellows will lead their own research project(s) and may contribute to other collaborative projects. They are expected to contribute to a positive lab culture, share their expertise, and train other colleagues. Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to take advantage of the training and network opportunities at the Crick, and are encouraged to build their own independence and leadership in research through attendance at national and international scientific meetings, applications for competitive fellowships, and to take the lead in managing their own research with collaborators and the Crick's core facilities (Science and Technology Platforms).

Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential., The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open, and collegial, in addition to the following,
• PhD in Virology, or a PhD in Molecular Biology, Structural Biology or similar fields with a strong interest in virology. You may also be in the final stages of PhD submission.
• Good knowledge and experience in molecular biology and cell culture
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
• Experience of experimental design
• Excellent communication skills to enable close working with lab members, collaborators, and relevant core facilities, while able to also work independently to drive projects forward
Desirable
• Experience with molecular techniques for RNA:protein interactions
• Experience working with influenza viruses, coronaviruses, or rotaviruses
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing methods
• Experience using advanced light microscopy or electron microscopy
• Experience in using bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis
  
  The RNA Virus Replication Lab, headed by Dr David LV Bauer, was established in 2020 at the Francis Crick Institute. Our lab seeks to understand how RNA viruses replicate, how the unique properties of their RNA genome contribute to this process, and how immunity develops and in turn influences viral replication and evolution. We largely focus on influenza and coronaviruses.
Our lab borrows tools from biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, genomics, and bioinformatics. We use a wide range of models (from animals and human samples, to cultured cells and purified in vitro proteins), and take advantage of the fact that the Crick is the largest biomedical institute under one roof in Europe, with considerable BSL-3 and ABSL-3 facilities, and integration with on-site core facilities (Science and Technology Platforms: Genomics, Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, High Throughput Screening, in vivo imaging, etc.). We are an active part of the UK's virology community, working with colleagues in the G2P2-UK Consortium, the Legacy Study, the WWW Consortium, and the Crick's Worldwide Influenza Centre, one of seven WHO Collaborating Centres for influenza. This collaborative environment has helped us build a strong track record of translating our research into policy and treatment, ably assisted by the Crick's Translation Team. Our team is multi-disciplinary and currently composed of three PhD students, one undergraduate student, two post-doctoral fellows, two senior laboratory research scientists, and one bioinformatician. We are a diverse group of scientists, from a wide range of backgrounds - scientific and otherwise - and believe that our best work comes from working together in a fun, positive, motivating, and exciting atmosphere., The Francis Crick Institute (the Crick) is a partnership between the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the Wellcome Trust, University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and King's College London. It is a registered charity whose purpose is to conduct biomedical research into all aspects of human health and disease. The institute will be a world-leading centre of biomedical research and innovation. It will promote connections between researchers and disciplines and between academic institutions, healthcare organisations and businesses. Dedicated to research excellence, the institute will have the scale, vision and expertise to tackle the most challenging scientific questions underpinning health and disease. It will be world-class with a strong national role - training scientists and developing ideas for public good. On 1 April 2015, staff from the London Research Institute (CRUK) and National Institute for Medical Research (MRC) transferred to the Crick to form a fully functional research institute on four sites. In 2016, the Crick will move to a single new, purpose-built research centre in St. Pancras which will house some 1,500 staff.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute's success. The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices. Read more on our website: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion