Postdoctoral Research Associate into Epstein-Barr virus

About the Role

Applications sought for a postgraduate researcher to work in collaboration with and under the supervision of Professor Michelle West to realise the objectives of a research programme into Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) mechanisms of transformation and drug discovery. This is a new group at the University and you will support Professor West in its transfer from the University of Sussex.

About You

You will have a PhD in a relevant area and well-developed knowledge and expertise in EBV mechanisms of transformation and small molecule drug discovery pipelines. You will have experience of cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques and expertise in protein expression and purification and X-ray crystallography.

You will be experienced in day-to-day oversight of a laboratory on behalf of the Principal Investigator and be able to effectively manage the transition of the laboratory from Sussex to our Whitechapel campus. This will include being able to train new research assistants and PhD students in a range of established protocols and techniques.

About the School

The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences (SBBS) is a large and dynamic with three main research areas; Biochemistry, Biology and Psychology, home to 750 undergraduate students, 150 postgraduate students, 200 PhD students and 110 teaching and research staff. Details about SBBS can be found at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbbs/

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable. Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers. We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ annual leave per annum (pro-rata), season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, campus facilities and flexible working arrangements. The post is based primarily at the Whitechapel Campus in London. It is full time fixed term appointment for two years, with an expected start date of 5 January 2026. The starting salary will be Grade 4 or 5, in the range of £40,015 up to £51,755 for an exceptional candidate per annum, inclusive of London Allowance. Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly. Informal enquiries should be addressed to Michelle West at m.j.west@sussex.ac.uk. For further details and to apply for the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button. The closing date for applications is 26 October 2025. Interviews are expected to be held in early November.