King's College London

THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

About Us

Animal cells express genes and pathways that naturally inhibit the replication of viruses.  The balance between these innate/intrinsic inhibitors and the many factors that promote replication establishes the tempo of virus infection and, ultimately, contributes to disease outcome.  Research in Prof Malim’s lab primarily addresses interactions between human cells, genes & proteins and pathogenic human viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A virus (IAV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – all with a view to understanding the fundamental principles that underpin virus infection, replication, transmission, zoonosis and pathogenesis.  Projects employ a multi-disciplinary blend of experimental approaches that draws upon molecular-genetic, cultured cell, biochemical, structural, bioinformatic and cohort-based methodologies.     

About the role

The Malim lab, in collaboration with Julien Bergeron’s team, are studying the molecular/atomic basis for the suppression of HIV-1 infection by the cellular protein MX2 (MXB), an established innate immune effector. The project builds on a series of virological, molecular genetic, biophysical and structural biology (electron microscopy) studies that have begun to define the molecular basis for MX2’s interaction with the HIV-1 capsid lattice, and the disruptive sequelae of binding – for capsid structure, virion particle integrity and virus infection. Future work will address the nature of MX2-capsid binding at greater resolution, the specific roles of individual amino acid residues in Capsid and the amino-terminal domain of MX2 in binding, and the biochemical/ biophysical properties of MX2’s amino terminus. In the longer-term we will develop collaborations that will exploit electron microscopy to examine the effect of MX2 on HIV-1 capsid structure and integrity in the context of HIV-1 infected cells.

The role holder will join a vibrant team of post-doctoral fellows and research associates, post-graduate students and undergraduate/ masters-level students to undertake discovery-inspired and internationally-distinctive research on the interplay between HIV-1 replication and the infected host. The role requires skills in molecular biology, virology, biochemistry (e.g., protein purification), biophysical techniques, and structural biology (particularly, cryo-electron microscopy). The appointee will be expected to display academic and technical leadership and innovation, culminating in research publications, presentations at international meetings/ conferences, and applications for extra-mural research funding.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term until 30 November 2026.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in relevant subject area *
2. Experience in HIV-1 infection studies, molecular biology, biochemistry, electron microscopy & structural biology 
3. Evidence of 4* research outputs or potential
4. Track record of participating actively in the planning, execution and interpretation of research projects 
5. Ability to communicate effectively with academic and managerial colleagues; at King’s and externally 
6. Ability to self-motivate and work flexible hours 
7. Ability to work co-operatively and collegially as a team member 

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Desirable criteria

1. Planning and preparation of applications for extra-mural research funding 
2. Peer-reviewed publications in high quality virology or more generalist journals, and/or evidence of oral/poster presentations at international scientific conferences 
3. Experience of working in a CL3 laboratory

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held on 8 September 2025.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.