Postdoctoral Research Scientist

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. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

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 Coronavirus Cellular Biology group is led by Dr Helena Maier, an established Coronavirus expert with 17 years experience studying livestock and human coronaviruses and a successful publication and funding track record. Working as part of the Coronavirus Cellular Biology Group, the successful candidate will conduct exciting and timely research on interactions between coronaviruses and their host cells. Specifically, using a broad variety of virology, cell culture, bioimaging, molecular and biochemical techniques, and utilising a comparative virology approach, the successful candidate will research coronavirus replication organelle formation and function, critical virus-host interactions that support virus replication, host cell responses to virus infection and virus escape mechanisms of emerging, human and livestock coronaviruses. They will also take on administrative and laboratory management duties in line with their career stage.

Main duties and responsibility

Responsible for carrying out research into coronavirus-host cell interactions, which will include:

• Setting up, performing and validating high throughput screens to identify host proteins that are beneficial or refractory to replication of coronaviruses, including function of replication organelles, regulation of cellular antiviral and stress responses and viral assembly, budding and exit. This will make use of a range of virology, bioimaging, cell and molecular biology approaches.
• Generating recombinant coronaviruses using reverse genetics for a range of livestock, bat and human coronaviruses.
• Determining ability of emerging human and porcine coronaviruses and their bat relatives to regulate antiviral and stress signalling in human, porcine and bat cells.
• Imaging coronavirus infected cells using standard and advanced bioimaging techniques.
• Following up observations to develop new projects, where appropriate.
• Establishing the use of new techniques within the group, where appropriate.
• Effectively working across a range of projects simultaneously.                                                                                                                        

Responsible for communicating the results of the research:

• Presenting research findings at internal and external meetings
• Writing reports and manuscripts, including ResearchFish reporting
• Participating in outreach events to disseminate research to a wider audience

                                                                                                                  Responsible for working as a post-doctoral researcher within the Coronavirus Cellular Biology group:

• Participating in regular lab meetings and journal clubs and attending Institute seminars
• Supporting junior members of the group including providing training in laboratory techniques
• Drafting and submitting proposals for intern projects and small research grants, where appropriate.
• Writing protocols, risk assessments and other documentation as required
• Laboratory management (ordering, sample inventories, point of contact for equipment maintenance)
• Representing the research group on committees, steering groups and other meetings as appropriate
• Taking responsibility for ensuring that their work in the laboratory is conducted safely and in accordance with local health and safety policies                        

Specific requirements

Essential

• A PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant branch of biosciences 
• A publication record commensurate with experience 
• Significant experience of RNA virus research (such as virus propagation, titration) 
• Significant experience of routine molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (e.g. molecular cloning, qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation) 
• Experience of research into virus-host cell interactions 
• Experience of direct and indirect fluorescence microscopy 
• The ability to validate and troubleshoot assays 
• Evidence of independent working and project development 
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships 

Desirable

• Experience of working with coronaviruses 
• Experience of working with ACDP2/3 pathogens 
• Experience working with cell culture from non-model organisms (e.g. pigs, bats) 
• Experience of performing and analysing large screens, including bioinformatics experience e.g. CRISPR, proteomics or transcriptomics screens 
• Experience of live cell fluorescence microscopy, fluorescent in situ hybridisation, super-resolution microscopy and use of image analysis software 
• Experience of electron microscopy (electron tomography, correlative light and electron microscopy) 

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