22P-54 Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Avian Oncogenic Viruses

Salary: Band D; Range £33,671 to £40,693. Candidates are appointed typically at the starting point, with some flexibility subject to skills/knowledge/experience. Our full range of benefits is outlined at the bottom of the job description

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Fixed term/Full time

Contract Length: 20 months

Closing Date: 22 July 2022

Organisation position and purpose

The successful candidate will join the Avian Oncogenic Viruses group at Pirbright Institute and report to the Head of the group. The purpose of this position is to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Scientist with experience in using CRISPR/Cas9 editing to develop improved multivalent herpesvirus vectored vaccine, as well as study MDV pathogenesis. 

The successful candidate will be required to manage the research project, work independently, and liaise with all members of the team. You will become a pivotal member of the team and will support the group and department by delivering excellent high-impact research. You will perform key research, administrative and management duties, and report directly to the group leader.

Main duties and responsibility

• The post-holder will carry out research to meet the objectives outlined in the industry-funded project to improve the current and develop new multivalent avian herpesvirus vectored vaccine using CRISPR/Cas9 editing system.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data, contribute to developing new techniques and methods.
• Generating high impact research publications based on the findings from the research projects and enhance the international impact of the Institute by participation in meetings, joint projects, and other activities.
• Prepare regular brief reports for collaborators and contribute to video conference discussions with collaborators.
• Contributing towards the Knowledge exchange, business development and outreach programmes of the Institute.
• Participate in the operational and academic management activities.
• Interact with other members of the group as well as other groups on wider aspects of research innovations into the control of avian viral diseases.

Actively participate in Pirbright Laboratory quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following Institute’s policies. 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

Intellectually engaging, results driven, excellent time management, good collaborative, and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to be reliable under pressure, passionate about your research and provide inspiration and creativity to other team members.

Specific requirements

Essential

• Degree in a virology, cell biology, another relevant field of biology or equivalent
• Proven experience of research in using CRISPR/Cas9 system for development of herpesvirus vectored vaccine
• Proven experience of research in virology, immunity, cell biology or molecular biology
• Publications in areas associated to application of CRISPR/Cas9 system
• Experience of a variety of general virology or molecular biology techniques and cell culture techniques
• DNA extraction for PCR/Sequencing techniques, advanced microscopy including use of IncuCyte
• qPCR tests for quantitation of viral DNA/genomes
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, including industrial collaborators
• Evidence in organising Training courses, and outreach/knowledge activities related to avian diseases
• Decision making and problem-solving skills
• Enthusiastic and innovative
• Self-motivated

Desirable

• Experience in the application and use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing on recombinant vaccine development, immunogenicity test of the recombinant viruses and MDV pathogenesis study,
• Evidence of networking skills and the ability to liaise with research collaborators and industrial partners
• Evidence in time management skills, and able to plan own work, and meeting objectives without day-to-day monitoring

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

We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, for example individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, women, and people with disabilities (visible and hidden).  We are committed to taking steps to increase the diversity of our employee and student community and removing any barriers to opportunities and success.

We recognize the need for flexibility in our working and personal lives and we have a range of flexible working arrangements in practice.  Where the role allows, arrangements can also be agreed for some informal home-working and we are open to candidate questions about this.  If you wish to find out more, or have any questions, please contact jobs@Pirbright.ac.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 -Jobs | The Pirbright Institute

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.

Apply now