Senior Research Fellow in Viral Immune Evasion

Senior Research Fellow in Viral Immune Evasion

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

Post Summary

The Brady Translational Inflammation Research Group (TIRG) is located within TTMI and has collaborative associations with local clinical researchers providing a strong translational base to our research as well as national and international experts in the areas of viral immune evasion, structural biology and the molecular basis of interferonopathies. Our key focus is on understanding how human-adapted viruses inhibit host innate anti-viral signaling systems using the poxvirus Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV) as a model. It causes a common, long-duration infection with minimal inflammation around characteristic papular skin lesions despite being continually loaded with live virus. This suggests highly effective, targeted inhibition of human anti-viral responses. We believe that understanding how MCV achieves this level of innate immune inhibition may offer key insights into human innate signaling pathways and potential therapeutic tools to inhibit these pathways in diseases defined by inflammation. Our previous screening of the MCV genome identified and reported several novel inhibitors of primary sensing and inflammation whose mechanisms of inhibition. The current project ‘Screening Interferon Inhibition by a Human-Adapted Poxvirus and its Therapeutic Potential’ (IFNAPT) will now investigate inhibition of the Type-I Interferon system by MCV proteins and deriving potentially therapeutic compounds from these inhibitors for use in the treatment of diseases associated with dysregulation of the Interferon system (e.g. interferonopathies).

Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

Conduct independent and collaborative research. Design, plan, and carry out experiments. Analyse and interpret research data. Prepare research findings for publication. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of research activities. Support the supervision and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students where necessary. Engage with the wider academic community, including attendance at seminars, participation in collaborative networks, and contribution to institutional research culture. Ensure compliance with institutional and national research ethics, health and safety, and data protection regulations. Undertake administrative tasks related to the project, such as assisting in updating regulatory and ethical approvals, ordering equipment, maintaining lab space, lab records and coordinating meetings or events as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related discipline.

Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable)

• Essential: Innate Immune signaling, Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology techniques and cell culture. Academic record consistent with Senior post-doctoral career stage.
• Desirable: Experience and competency in Recombinant DNA technology (gene cloning, sub- cloning, mutagenesis etc.). Background in Interferon biology, structural biology and therapeutics.

Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in above listed fields. Data handling, analysis and interpretation. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong organisational skills. Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Apply NowDeadline 31 July