Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and independent Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our growing research in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning genome assembly, viral replication, and evolution in RNA viruses with segmented genomes, with the ultimate goal of informing the development of antiviral strategies. The successful candidate will participate in an exciting project funded by a Wellcome Discovery Award, which explores the roles of RNA structure, dynamics, and biomolecular condensates in viral life cycles. Our work seeks to revolutionise the understanding of how multi-segmented RNA viruses, such as RVs, selectively package their distinct RNA segments, form phase-separated replication factories, and evolve through reassortment. The successful candidate will participate in an exciting project funded by a Wellcome Discovery Award, which explores the roles of RNA structure, dynamics, and biomolecular condensates in viral life cycles. Our work seeks to revolutionise the understanding of how multi-segmented RNA viruses, such as rotaviruses, selectively package their distinct RNA segments, form phase-separated replication factories, and evolve through reassortment. Key Responsibilities will include:

• Using advanced microscopy techniques, including fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy (RICS), to study the dynamics of viral condensates.
• Applying RNA-focused methods such as smFISH, RNA sequencing, and proximity-labelling techniques to analyse viroplasmic transcriptomes.
• Developing and utilizing reverse genetics system for rescuing viruses to generate recombinant rotaviruses, and explore the functional consequences of mutations in key viral proteins that drive phase separation.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate experimental data with computational approaches, including machine-learning tools, to investigate evolutionary conservation and phase separation phenomena.
• Contribute to various research group activities, writing manuscripts, presenting at group meetings, national and international conferences.
The PDRA is expected to carry out independent research on a day-to-day basis and develop new approaches under the guidance of an academic supervisor. In addition, cooperation with other lab members and assistance with the training of students within the research group is required. Team work and clear communication are essential.