Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Woking

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – (23P-149)

The Pirbright Institute

Salary: £37,000 - £38,000 per annum

Fixed Term Contract until 31st April 2027

Onsite: Woking, GU24

Application Closing Date: 01/04/2024

Please note, that this role only offers contributions to VISA sponsorship for the individual employee.

Previous applicants to this position need not to reapply.

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 spend roughly the first 12 months working at low containment (CL2) under the supervision of Dr Dalan Bailey (Viral Glycoproteins Group) and then approximately two years in the non-vesicular reference laboratory (NVRL) with Dr Carrie Battens group in high containment.

The NVRL works on a range of transboundary viral diseases and host national and international reference laboratories. This specific project is related to Rinderpest virus (RPV) - one of only two globally eradicated viruses. The objective is to develop a serological test that does not require “live” rinderpest virus antigen. This assay is needed to support the post eradication era and to enable countries to maintain a diagnostic capability for RPV should the need ever arise.

The post holder will report to the Head of the NVRL who has responsibility for the Rinderpest holding facility and reference laboratory at Pirbright. They will be expected to work alongside other members of the Viral Glycoproteins and NVRL groups and support the wider activities of the research teams.

The project has a defined three-year plan.

Year 1: Generation of reagents: cloning, validation and production of RPV Hemagglutinin (H) protein selection and recombinant antibody production (rHAb).

Year 2: Development and optimisation of a prototype ELISA, initial validation.

Year 3: Multi-organisation (national and international) test validation

The post holder will have the opportunity to interact with a wide range of stakeholders including WOAH and FAO, other international reference laboratories and interested parties.

Main duties and responsibilities:

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

• Literature review to support project.
• Generation of reagents: cloning, validation and production of RPV Hemagglutinin (H) protein selection and recombinant antibody production (rHAb),
• Method development and optimisation of a prototype ELISA
• Initial test validation, establishment of test parameters
• Facilitation of cross organisation test validation

Additional requirements:

• Contribute to the day-to-day management of the laboratory.
• Communicating project progress, including reporting at group meetings, to the project PIs and during regular project meetings with the funders and stakeholders e.g. WOAH, FAO
• Present the data at national and international conferences and drive the production of peer-reviewed publications including producing first drafts of data manuscripts.
• Providing support, training and supervision to undergraduate, MSc and PhD students as required
• Preparation of final technical report for distribution to funders and stakeholders including WOAH and FAO

Contributing to scientific community at the Pirbright Institute:

• Support all aspects of good laboratory practice including biosecurity, quality assurance and health and safety processes.
• Take part in outreach activities to communicate the scientific work to wider, interested audiences.
• Be actively involved in the scientific and knowledge community at The Pirbright Institute by attending internal and external seminars and present and discuss own work and ideas
• Working with the research community to promote a positive research culture

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.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• A PhD in virology/molecular biology
• Experience in molecular biology techniques including recombinant protein production and/or molecular diagnostics.
• Experience in serological techniques.
• Experience with bioinformatics, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
• A demonstrated working knowledge of test validation exercises & highly collaborative approach to scientific research
• A demonstrated enthusiasm and knowledge of veterinary virology

Desirable

• Experience of test validation to ISO/IEC 17025 or equivalent guidelines
• Experience with antibody engineering and protein-protein interactions
• Practical experience of quantitatively assessing protein-protein interactions, e.g. ELISA, BLI, flow cytometry
• Excellent molecular virology skills, including cloning, tissue culture, PCR and protein purification
• Experience of developing and carrying out research studies
• Evidence of writing peer reviewed publications

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 for an update.