Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-term) (SCI283325)

Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term)

We are seeking a Research Associate/Fellow to join a multidisciplinary project funded by BBSRC. The overall collaborative project aim is to develop novel broad-spectrum antiviral compounds for use in animals and humans. The successful candidate will join highly motivated and well-funded research teams across the Schools of Pharmacy, Chemistry, and Veterinary Medicine and Science. The work is a collaboration between Dr Pavel Gershkovich, Prof Kin-Chow Chang, Dr Leah Goulding and Prof Chris Hayes.

A few years ago, we made a groundbreaking discovery of a plant-derived antiviral molecule, thapsigargin (TG) that is highly effective against major human and animal respiratory viruses: IAV, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2) and respiratory syncytial virus (Al-Beltagi et al., 2021a; Al-Beltagi et al., 2021b; Goulding et al., 2020). Our findings that TG is a host-centric antiviral have been later corroborated by other groups (Shaban et al., 2022; Shaban et al., 2021). TG, a sesquiterpene lactone, is an irreversible inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) pump whose inhibition prevents the replenishment of the ER Ca2+ pool, triggering (i) store operated calcium entry (SOCE) and (ii) ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). Both processes culminate in a cellular antiviral state that blocks virus replication at multiple stages of virus life cycle.

Inspired by TG, we recently created a library (> 180) of second-generation semi-synthetic antivirals that can be structurally categorised into different compound families, exhibiting improved drug-like properties and safety whilst retaining antiviral efficacy against a range human and veterinary RNA viruses. A major problem of all existing virus-targeting antivirals, such as baloxavir, is the emergence of virus resistance which rapidly reduces their usefulness (Hayden et al., 2018; Leung et al., 2024; Uehara et al., 2020). The huge advantage of host-centric antivirals are much less susceptible to virus resistance since virus mutations cannot readily overcome its dependency on host cell functions.

The aims of this post are the in vitro and in vivo Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) development of novel host-centric antiviral candidates.

This work will be based within the Division of Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, located within the School of Pharmacy and led by Dr Pavel Geshkovich. The candidate will be required to undertake research and day to day management of the biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics and drug delivery aspects of this research project, requiring a high degree of competence in one or more of the research areas listed. An aptitude for critical thinking and a flexible approach to collaborative research is vital.

Candidates should have, be close to completion of, or have equivalent experience, a PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, together with an interest in pharmacokinetics, bioanalysis and drug delivery.

This full-time (36.25 hours/week), fixed-term post is offered for an initial period of 1 year, starting on 1st March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter), with a potential 1 year extension (total 2 years), subject to satisfactory progress. Job share arrangements may be considered.

For informal enquiries, please contact: Dr Pavel Gershkovich (pavel.gershkovich@nottingham.ac.uk) Please note applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 02 Feb 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)