Organisation position and purpose

The Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Research Scientist will be part of the Avian Influenza Research group led by Professor Munir Iqbal. The researcher will perform a key role in developing and testing of new multivalent vaccines protecting poultry from major poultry viral diseases including avian influenza, Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and Gumboro disease.

 

Main duties and responsibility

You will be responsible for taking forward our novel “Targeted Antigen Delivery Vaccine” (TADV) technology which selectively targets antigens to chicken antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and potentiates the immunogenicity of the vaccine (PMID: 34267228, 34358200). Using this technology, you will develop new multivalent vaccines protecting poultry from major viral diseases. The key responsibilities include (100%):

 

• Producing recombinant viral antigens using insect and yeast cell culture systems
• Generating recombinant reverse genetics viruses (avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus) and multivalent vaccines by manipulating viral vectors such as herpesvirus Turkey (HVT), Duck enteritis virus (DEV) and Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) using CRISPR-Cas9 technology,
• Testing the immunogenicity and efficacy of novel vaccines using experimental animal models (chickens, turkey and ducks)
• Keeping accurate records of samples and work performed
• Analysing your results and preparing your data for discussion
• Writing up your work for project reports and scientific manuscripts

 

You will contribute to the Avian Influenza research team by:

• Supporting the key aims of our team:
  • To develop knowledge and tools for the prevention and control of avian diseases in poultry.
  • To collaborate with our industry partners
  • To work together in an inclusive, respectful and collaborative environment that supports the personal and professional development of every member, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.

 

You will contribute to the Pirbright Institute scientific community by:

• Supporting all aspects of good laboratory practice including biosecurity, quality assurance and health and safety processes.
• Taking part in outreach activities to communicate the scientific work to wider audiences
• Discussing your work and ideas with colleagues including attending and participating in institute seminars

 

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 his/her 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.

All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following policies and all employees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management.

 

Personal specification

Ability to work in a team, time management, reliability under pressure, decision making/problem solving skills, collaborative, diplomatic, results driven, and enthusiastic.

 

Specific requirements

Research Scientist (Pay band C)

Essential

• BSc, MSc, M Phil or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences
• Relevant bench experience in a recognised R&D environment
• Practical experience in recombinant protein expression, virology, molecular biology & cell culture.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively within a team and to external stake holders.
• An achievement record commensurate to the applicant’s career
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and statistical analyses.

Desirable

• Experience in animal experimental work involving poultry viral diseases
• Evidence of networking skills and the ability to liaise with research collaborators and industrial partners

 

Post-doctoral Scientist (Pay band D)

Essential

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences
• Fundamental knowledge in virology and vaccinology of avian viral disease (avian influenza, Newcastle disease)
• Experience in virological techniques of propagation and quantification of viruses, microneutralisation and haemagglutination inhibition assays.
• Experience in the production of recombinant viruses using reverse genetic and CRISPR-Cas9 approaches.
• Scientific publications in a relevant field (appropriate to experience)
• Evidence of scientific curiosity and an inquisitive approach to research questions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively
• Careful and organised approach to record-keeping
• Ability to plan and organise work activities including prioritisation of objectives to meet milestones

 

Desirable

• Experience in carrying out experiments involving poultry as a Personal Licence holder, under the Home Office approved Project Licence guidelines
• Experience in biological containment practices and in working under biosecure conditions
• Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft office packages, experience in data presentation and statistical analyses
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
• Evidence of experience and vision to carry out scientific research in a multi-disciplinary

 

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

We would like to encourage all overseas applicants to consider the Tier 1 Global Talent Visa route. This has been designed to offer fast-tracked entry to the UK for scientific researchers to work and live in the UK. Please see for further information under the link: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

The Pirbright Institute may be able to make a financial contribution towards the cost of immigration to the UK.

 

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 staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities

 

To apply for this vacancy please visit our careers page.

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 for an update.

We acknowledge, understand and embrace diversity, equality and inclusion

 

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