Postdoctoral Researcher

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 join the Viral Gene Expression group on a recently funded BBSRC project to exmaine virus-host interactions between arboviruses and their mosquito vector. Working with the Insect Transgenesis platform within The Pirbright Institute, you will exploit classical virology with cutting edge insect transgenesis to engineer mosquitoes with reduced ability to transmit viruses. You will take a leadership role in planning, designing and executing the project with guidance from Group Leaders Dr Trevor Sweeney and Dr Kevin Maringer in Pirbright and support from project partners in Keele Univeristy and the University of York.

Main duties and responsibilities:

The successful applicant will be responsible for:

Developing and driving the research project:

• Planning experiments, analyse data, formulating hypotheses to test.
• Performing infections in transgenic mosquito cell lines.
• Learning to work at high containment.
• Liasing with academic partners within and outside the Institute.

Contributing to lab management and training:

• Working with insectary staff, the Insect Transgenesis platform and team mates to ensure smooth running of the project.
• Being trained and training others in appropriate techniques.

Sharing data and broader impact:

• Presenting key findings and internal and external events including national and international conferences.
• Writing publications describing key findings of the work with support.
• Participating in outreach activities to share research and impact with a broad audience.

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.

Personal Specification

We are looking for someone who is highly motivated and enthusiastic, results orientated and has ambition 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.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences.
• Experience in infection of mosquitoes.
• Experience in general virological methods.
• Experience in molecular biology.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships.

Desirable

• Experience in handling viruses in high containment.
• Experience of rearing mosquitoes.
• Experience in genetic modification of insects.

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.