Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Postdoctoral Scientist – (24P-49)

The Pirbright Institute

Salary: £38,500 - £40,000 per annum

Fixed-Term Contract – 31/03/2028

Onsite: Woking, GU24

Application Closing Date: 19/09/2024

About The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect, and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviors and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

The Postdoctoral Scientist is a pivotal member of the Capripoxvirus Biology Group and will support the team in delivering an excellent research programme. The Capripoxvirus Biology Group seeks to answer fundamental questions about how viruses infect cells from different host species, how cells defend themselves from viruses and how viruses overcome such antiviral defences to replicate and spread the infection, using Capripoxviruses as models. This three-year funded position primarily involves the development and optimisation of novel and robust tools for the genetic engineering of Capripoxviruses to support the delivery of this wider research programme. This knowledge will be applied to develop the next generation of vaccines against Capripoxvirus disease in livestock.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Responsible for carrying out experimental research on Capripoxvirus biology, which will include:

• Design, perform and analyse experiments, aimed at developing and optimising tools to genetically engineer Capripoxviruses for fundamental research and vaccine development.
• Maintain high-quality records of experimental procedures and datasets, and report findings and progress at periodic individual and group meetings.
• Work in a safe way and support all health, safety, and biosafety processes of the Institute, including undertaking all mandatory training to work in high-containment facilities.
• Be actively involved in the scientific community at The Pirbright Institute by attending internal and external seminars, presenting, and discussing own work and ideas, and engaging in outreach activities to communicate the scientific work to wider, interested audiences.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by their line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.

Personal Specification

Successful applicants should be engaging with strong written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to supervise students and junior members of staff. They should be results-driven and have strong decision-making/problem-solving skills. They will be expected to work both independently and as part of a team carrying out research to highest ethical and academic standards.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• A PhD or equivalent in virology, microbiology, immunology, or another relevant branch of biosciences.
• A demonstrated enthusiasm and knowledge of virology, particularly poxviruses.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with the academic community, with a proven track record of success in biomedical research.
• Experience of working aseptic technique, mammalian cell culture, and molecular cloning techniques.

Desirable

• Experience in virological techniques (plaque assay, preparation and purification of viral stocks, reverse genetics systems etc).
• Experience working with pathogenic agents in high-containment laboratory facilities (e.g., BSL3, SAPO4).
• Experience working with cutting-edge technologies for genome editing including CRISPR-based approaches and synthetic biology.
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques (western blotting, quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy etc).
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships.

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
• Buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
• Pirbright social club.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
• Cycle to work.
• Subsidised employee restaurant.
• Childcare allowance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Electric car charging facilities.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.