Job Description
The Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology group is an applied research group with a particular focus on the study of microorganisms in the environment and control measures to mitigate the impact of human pathogens. A key aim of the group is to provide evidence-based recommendations to prevent the spread of infections both proactively and to assist public health responses. Within the Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology group, the Environmental Virology Team (EVT) develops methods for the environmental detection of pathogenic viruses such as mpox virus, SARS-CoV-2, and Lassa virus to inform public health measures when cases are identified.
The post holder will advance our abilities to detect and characterise pathogenic human viruses in the environment including assessment of virus survival, aerobiology, and remediation. The successful applicant will be required to use, validate, and develop a range of microbiology techniques and will carry out their work in the laboratory including Containment Level (CL) 3 facilities.
The successful applicant will join a team committed to carrying out applied microbiology research to inform infection prevention and control measures for human pathogens, in particular those that pose a significant risk to healthcare workers and the wider community when cases occur.
Location
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offers hybrid working - this means that whilst the role will be based in Porton Down, Salisbury, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home.
The balance between home and workplace working is to be agreed with the line manager, determined primarily by business needs and in line with departmental policy.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
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