Research Assistant

Research Assistant – (24P-66)

The Pirbright Institute

Salary: £32,500 - £34,000 per annum

Fixed-Term Contract – 9 Months from Start Date

Onsite: Woking, GU24

Application Closing Date: 31/10/2024

Please send a cover letter alongside a CV with your application

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 behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

The successful applicant will be employed in the Non-Vesicular Reference Laboratory (NVRL) at The Pirbright Institute, working within a large multi-disciplinary team who perform applied research and develop novel diagnostics to enhance our capability to detect and understand a range of high-consequence viral infectious diseases of livestock including orbiviruses such as Bluetongue and Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease, as well as Lumpy Skin Disease and African swine fever. The NVRL comprises six National and WOAH reference laboratories and provides diagnostic testing capabilities for both national (Defra, UK government) and international competent authorities.

The post-holder will work on a Defra-funded science research project which aims to advance our understanding of the immune response to orbivirus infection and vaccination in livestock, with a specific focus on bluetongue virus (BTV). BTV is transmitted by Culicoides biting midges and causes the severe haemorrhagic disease, bluetongue, in susceptible ruminants such as cattle and sheep. This project is integrated into a wider research programme at The Pirbright Institute, in collaboration with the Entomology research group and NVRL, to investigate the immune responses, pathogenesis, transmission and epidemiology of Culicoides-borne viruses. The UK is currently dealing with an outbreak of BTV serotype 3, the first in over 15 years, which has resulted in clinical disease in cattle and sheep and national and international livestock movement (trade) restrictions.

The work in this project is therefore being directly applied to aid in informing UK government policy decisions and progressing our understanding of this emerging BTV-3 strain in the field to limit transmission and aid in development of more effective control measures, together protecting UK livestock. The post-holder will be working with BTV in our high containment facility at The Pirbright Institute and will therefore receive training to work to SAPO4 containment level. The post-holder will report to and work directly with the postdoctoral scientist on the project and will also work with a research scientist on wider project aims.

Personal Specification

We are looking for someone who is highly motivated and enthusiastic, result orientated and has a vision to carry out scientific research in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment. The successful applicant will have strong time management, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Responsible for carrying out an experimental programme according to grant milestones, which will include:

• Performing routine serological assays (ELISA, serum neutralising test) to assess the ruminant immune response to BTV vaccination/infection.
• Contributing to the development/validation of serological assays to assess BTV immune responses.
• Performing routine virological assays including virus generation, purification, and quantification.
• Analysing experimental data and preparing content for reports and/or presentations.
• Maintaining detailed experimental and sample records.
• Performing laboratory maintenance including housekeeping and reagent supply.
• Provide laboratory support to the post-doctoral scientist and research scientist on the project.
• Contribute to the wider activities of the NVRL to support disease control.

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.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• BSc in biological sciences or related discipline.
• Experience (minimum 1 year) in basic lab practices (e.g., cell culture, serology, molecular biology).
• Enthusiastic and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to organise and multi-task.
• Capable of careful, precise work.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Diligent record keeping.
• Good computer skills / knowledge of Microsoft packages.
• Proven ability to work in a team.
• Time management skills

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.