Offer Description
About DETECTIVE
DETECTIVE (Data driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts) is an EU-funded MSCA training programme aimed at developing new, data-driven methods to anticipate, detect and respond to emerging viral threats at an earlier stage than before. Coordinated by Prof. Dr. Heli Harvala, Professor of Virology at the University of Turku in Finland, the network brings together 8 academic institutions and 14 associated partners from across Europe.
Within DETECTIVE, researchers will develop innovative methods used to detect emerging pathogens earlier, understand who is most at risk, and translate the complex multi-source data into real-time, evidence-based decisions and clinical applications. The project's overall goal is to establish a unified, end-to-end epidemic-intelligence framework, enhancing Europe's capacity to respond to threats quickly and in a coordinated manner. This will be achieved by an integrated approach combining virology, evolutionary genomics, epidemiology, diagnostics and AI-based analytical methods.
Background of Project DC12
Emerging and re-emerging viruses continue to pose major threats to global health. Wastewater surveillance offers a unique opportunity to monitor viral circulation at the population level, providing early warning of outbreaks and the emergence of novel pathogens or variants. This project will combine viral genomics, next-generation sequencing and artificial intelligence to develop innovative approaches for detecting and characterising WHO priority viruses in wastewater and understanding how viral communities change across different environments and seasons.
Job Description
At the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, DETECTIVE is looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC) to work on Work Packages 1. As DC12, your objectives are:
- Develop a sequencing-based PCR assay for targeting WHO priority viruses
- Benchmark assay performance using a viral agnostic probe-based assay
- Characterise the wastewater virome across multiple settings including urban, rural, hospitals and airports across different seasons.
- Test feasibly of detection of mutations of interest such as vaccine escape and drug resistance
- Define AI tools for inferring the virus ability to infect specific hosts and identify potential zoonosis
You will be supervised by Dr Ana da Silva Filipe, with additional support from Dr Katherine Smollett and Dr Joseph Hughes (University of Glasgow). Secondment opportunities and training will be provided through collaborations with Dr Sami Oikarinen (Tampere University, Finland) and Dr Javier Martin (MHRA, UK).
About the CVR
The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) is home to an internationally leading critical mass of virologists, entirely focused on the study of human viral diseases and viruses at the human-animal interface. Established in 2010 as a partnership between the University and the Medical Research Council (MRC), the CVR contributes to national virology capability and supports the global response to viruses and the diseases they cause. The CVR has excellent facilities for conducting research in molecular biology and virology located in a purpose-built research building at the Garscube campus of the University of Glasgow, including high containment laboratories, purpose built Viral Genomics suite and Viral Bioinformatics expertise. The CVR is a core component of the School of Infection and Immunity within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow. The University of Glasgow is a world top 100 University with a rich history of academic excellence and innovation since 1451, with a diverse community of students from over 140 countries. https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/cvr/
How to Apply
Complete the DETECTIVE Application Form (see below) and provide the following documents:
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)
Details for two references
Where to apply
Website: https://link.webropol.com/s/detectiveapplication
Requirements
Research Field: Medical sciences » Health sciences
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Hold a First Class or Upper Second Class (2.1) Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a life sciences, biomedical sciences, quantitative biology, or related discipline.
- Have a strong interest in infectious disease research and emerging pathogens.
- English language requirements in line with the University of Glasgow's terms. For details see: University of Glasgow - Postgraduate study - Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z - Virology
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
- Have not resided/carried out work or studies in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the April 1st, 2027.
- Must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
Desirable:
- Experience with molecular biology, including PCR techniques and knowledge of high-throughput sequencing technology and data analysis.
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, microbiology, virology, immunology, epidemiology, or a related field.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
- A contract with the University of Glasgow for 3 years (probation of 6 months).
- The opportunity to work on large-scale and in-house research with motivated colleagues.
- Interdisciplinary network-wide training schools (one week each):
- Foundations in Virology, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology
- Advanced Integration of Scientific, Diagnostic and Public Health Virology
- Translational Virology and connecting Academia, Clinical Practice and Public Health for Pandemic Preparedness.
- Individually tailored career development plan and personal empowerment programme.
- Access to the Campus Sport Services at a reduced rate price.
- Access to Cycle to work scheme (https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/benefits/travel/cycletowork/)
- A competitive salary and comprehensive employment benefits in line with MSCA Doctoral Network requirements.
- A holiday allowance of 8 weeks annual leave, including public holidays.
Eligibility criteria
MSCA Eligibility Requirements
Mobility Rule- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment (1 March 2027).
Doctoral Degree Requirement- Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
Additional comments
Website for additional job details: https://virusdetective.eu/
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