Research Fellow in Virology (Maluquer Lab)

at  University of Surrey

In recent years, the group has identified cellular defense mechanisms that sense and protect against poxvirus infection. See references below for a flavour of what we do. With the (re)-emergence of monkeypox virus, the group is now establishing a line of research aimed at developing novel therapeutic avenues against this novel global pathogen, including vaccines and antivirals.

• Ndodo et al. (2023) Nature Medicine, 29:2317. PMID 37710003
• Maluquer de Motes, C (2021) PLOS Pathogens, 17:e1009372. PMID 33735254.
• Hernaez et al. (2020) Science Advances, 6:eabb4565. PMID 32948585.
• Odon et al. (2018) Journal of Virology, 92:e01374-18. PMID 30258003

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position within the molecular virology group led by Dr Carlos Maluquer de Motes at the University of Surrey (United Kingdom) to study poxvirus immune evasion and translate that knowledge into therapeutic strategies. The post is funded by MRC with funds available for this contract in the first instance, although applications for further funding are ongoing.

In recent years, the group has identified cellular defense mechanisms that sense and protect against poxvirus infection. See references below for a flavour of what we do. With the (re)-emergence of monkeypox virus, the group is now establishing a line of research aimed at developing novel therapeutic avenues against this novel global pathogen, including vaccines and antivirals.

• Ndodo et al. (2023) Nature Medicine, 29:2317. PMID 37710003
• Maluquer de Motes, C (2021) PLOS Pathogens, 17:e1009372. PMID 33735254.
• Hernaez et al. (2020) Science Advances, 6:eabb4565. PMID 32948585.
• Odon et al. (2018) Journal of Virology, 92:e01374-18. PMID 30258003.

This project involves the development and validation of a novel vaccine prototype against mpox. Whilst successful proof-of-concept data have been gathered, there is room to improve the prototype and validate it in vitro and in vivo. We are now seeking to appoint a post-doctoral researcher that can lead this second phase of the project, which will also involve the application for further funding to continue this exciting research. There will be therefore opportunities for the appointee to get involved in the process of writing and bidding for extramural funding.