RNA viruses are a vast group of viruses that infect humans, animals, and plants. Each year, these viruses cause regional epidemics and, at times, large global pandemics. Well-known RNA viruses include the influenza virus, the measles virus, and the Ebola virus. Our research focuses on the function of a viral enzyme called the polymerase. The polymerase is particularly important in the lifecycle of the virus as it produces viral mRNA and new copies of viral RNA. In my research group, we employ techniques across scale from atoms to cells to understand the intricate detail of these small molecular machines. By understanding the details of these processes, we aim to develop new antiviral compounds.

In the lab we use cryoEM as our technique of choice, owing to the large and flexible nature of our samples. These samples are complexes of polymerase and viral RNA that allow us to recreate discrete steps in replication or transcription. We make use of cryoEM facilities in Oxford, Leicester, and at the national facility at eBIC. These structural studies are complimented with in vitro assays, and cell based mini-replicon and infections assays. Future work in the lab is focused towards in vivo imaging of these viral processes.

Jeremy's Biography

Jeremy completed his PhD with Dr F. Grant Pearce at the University of Canterbury, NZ investigating how oligomerisation of the plant protein Rubisco Activase controls its ability to reactivate different plant Rubisco. In 2014 he moved to Auckland University as a postdoc to work with Associate Professor David Goldstone to understand how the restriction factor Trim5alpha can block HIV infection. He then moved to Oxford to join Prof Jonathan Grimes and Prof Ervin Fodor to use cryoEM to study the influenza virus polymerase. In 2023 Jeremy moved to the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick to start his own group as an Assistant Professor. 


Opportunities to join the group
We are happy to recruit PhD students via the BBSRC MIBTP programme or the Warwick MRC DTP programme. The University of Warwick can also support applications to the Chinese Research Council or through the Warwick-Monash Alliance.

MIBTP 2025 projects

If you wish to apply for an independent postdoctoral fellowship in the lab please contact Jeremy directly to discuss possible opportunities. 

Students completing an MBio or MRes are encouraged to contact Jeremy if they wish to perform a research project in the group.