Improving viral outbreak emergency preparedness: development of pseudotypes of viruses with global epidemic potential (reference number P5306)

A 3-year full-time studentship is available at the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Division of Virology, in collaboration with the Division of Infection and Immunity, University College, London (UCL). The studentship is anticipated to commence 1 October 2017.

NIBSC is a global leader in the characterisation, standardisation and control of biological medicines and has a major role in protecting and improving public health globally. NIBSC is the leading WHO International Laboratory for Biological Standardisation and is responsible for producing and distributing over 90% of all WHO International Standards introduced for the quality assurance of biological medicines. Our scientists also test products, carry out valuable research and provide advice on a routine basis and in response to emergencies. The importance of the Institute’s work is well recognised nationally and internationally. NIBSC is a centre of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency which enhances and improves the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

UCL is London's leading multidisciplinary university, with approximately 11,000 staff and 38,000 students from 150 different countries. The UCL Division of Infection & Immunity (I&I) is part of the Faculty of Medical Sciences. In the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2014), the Infection and Immunology panel graded 80% of outputs from the Division as 4* (world leading) or 3* (internationally excellent). Over 60% of our PhD students carry on with their career in academia at world leading Institutions, and another 22% enter the academic medical profession

Flaviviruses are at the centre of major disease outbreaks. Fast, reliable and specific diagnosis is required to monitor an epidemic, evaluate treatment and candidate vaccines in trials, and for sero-surveillance. Assay development can be hampered by high biosafety containment level required for some viruses and/or the difficulty in growing them in vitro. Building on previous work by the supervisors, the successful candidate will investigate the use of pseudoviruses for a range of viruses of outbreak potential to support critical diagnostic assay development.

You will be a motivated individual with a keen interest in undertaking research in this field. You will have a first class degree, or a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a Russell Group University, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, or an appropriate Master’s degree.

For further details of the project, essential requirements for study and details on how to apply please click here: https://mhra.filecamp.com/public/file/2k43-8p8ktt7u

To apply

Send (i) your CV including the name and contact details of two academic referees and (ii) a personal statement of no more than 1000 words explaining your interest in this project and aspirations for undertaking a PhD to [Email Address Removed] by 5.00 pm (UK time) on Friday 24 February.

Please ensure the studentship reference number is included in the subject line of the email and your personal statement.