Research Fellow in KSHV and ncRNA Biology Full Time

Location: Leeds – Main Campus

Contract type: Fixed term (from 01/07/2026 until 30/06/2029)

This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an early career researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have a background in Molecular Virology and RNA biology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?

Project title: Understanding the manipulation of ncRNAs during KSHV and EBV replication

The Whitehouse research group is seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to investigate how the human tumour viruses, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV), manipulate host cell pathways and host non-coding RNAs to enhance its own replication.

You will become part of a multi-member laboratory team targeting molecular mechanisms of viral infection to ultimately develop new effective antiviral agents.

For this role, you should have a PhD (or close to completion) combining molecular virology and medicinal chemistry approaches, or a closely allied discipline. You should have experience in a wide range of molecular and cell biology techniques, specifically RNA-based techniques, and experience working with KSHV and EBV.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was re-awarded a Silver award in 2025. We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information.

Salary Requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa Route

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Ade Whitehouse

Email: a.whitehouse@leeds.ac.uk