Senior Cell Culture Scientist

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 Cell Culture department is one of the Science Technology Platforms (STP) at Pirbright. Our STPs offer scientists access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, comprehensive training and expert support. These resources enable our researchers to pursue cutting-edge projects and prepare strong funding applications.

The Senior Cell Culture Scientist plays a pivotal role within the team, combining scientific leadership and expertise with managerial responsibilities. They will lead efforts to develop novel primary cell culture and organoid models, providing high-quality scientific support to Pirbright researchers. Although the role is focused on STP-driven objectives, it offers opportunities for personal scientific advancements in in vitro models.

Cell Culture staff work to ISO9001 standards and supply cell culture products to ISO17025 accredited laboratories as well as to researchers. The Cell Culture STP is also responsible for the maintainance and quality control of frozen master and working banks of over 200 different cell lines and for the preparation of primary cells from animal tissues. Although currently not undertaken, the role may involve working inside our SAPO4 high containment facility.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Responsible for developing primary cell cultures from different livestock species, which will include:

• Forging close collaborations with Institute Group Leaders and Fellows to identify cell culture needs for ongoing and future research projects.
• Develop primary cell culture and organoid models from different organs and tissues of livestock species that will be beneficial to multiple science groups and areas of research conducted at the Institute.

Responsible for overseeing the operations of the Cell Culture STP, which will include:

• Ensure smooth operation and timely completion of Cell Culture projects together with the team.
• Work closely with an experienced Cell Culture Scientist. · Monitor and align Cell Culture activities to Pirbright’s Science Strategy.
• Represent Cell Culture in regular meetings with other STP leads and contribute to the ongoing development of Pirbright STP services and technologies.
• Showcase Cell Culture capabilities and achievements in internal and external science meetings/ seminars.
• Publish novel protocols or findings in appropriate peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to grant applications.
• Where required, perform daily activities within the department including maintenance of secondary/continuous cell lines and preparation of primary cultures.

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

• Excellent time management
• Reliability under pressure
• Good decision making/problem solving skills
• Team player and collaborator
• Ability to identify and drive opportunities for future developments in their working environment

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• A PhD in a relevant branch of biosciences.
• Extensive experience in cell culture processes (both primary and continuous cell lines).
• Documented experience of developing and maintaining primary 3D cultures, including at least one of the following: 3D cultures, Organoids/ spheroids, Organ-on-a-chip
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with team members, fellow scientists, and funding bodies.
• Evidence of line-management experience and strategic vision.

Desirable

• Experience of managing large collections of cell stocks.
• Experience in cell immortalisation techniques.
• Experience of authenticating human or animal cell lines.
• Sound knowledge of contaminants present in cell cultures and preventative approaches.
• Background knowledge of viral diseases in livestock.

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.