Research Assistant/Associate on the equine influenza surveillance programme (fixed term)

Closing date: 31 May 2021

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to start as soon as possible to work on the equine influenza surveillance programme recently relocated to Cambridge from the Animal Health Trust. This project is funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB).

Like other influenza viruses, equine influenza virus undergoes antigenic drift and is able to evade antibodies produced in response to vaccination. Vaccine strains for equine influenza therefore need to be updated regularly and a formal process of vaccine strain selection is in place, overseen by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The main focus of the research will be to isolate and cultivate equine influenza virus from samples supplied to us by collaborating diagnostic laboratories, which are then sequenced and characterised antigenically. These data are collated and used for epidemiological studies and vaccine strain selection.

Applicants should have, or will shortly obtain a PhD degree in virology, molecular biology or a related discipline. Essential skills will be experience of working in containment level 2 facilities. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, and have good administrative and interpersonal skills.

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