Postdoctoral Research Scientist

The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading centre for research and surveillance of viral diseases in farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. Strategically funded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), we work at the forefront of fundamental and applied bioscience to understand, control, and eliminate diseases that threaten both animal and human health.

Our research spans viruses that are endemic and exotic to the UK, combining advanced tools and technologies to study host–pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. With internationally recognised strengths in virology and immunology, Pirbright plays a critical role in tackling current diseases and preparing for emerging threats. Based in Surrey, southwest of London, the Institute employs around 370 staff and hosts 50 PhD students and visiting scientists from across the globe. Over £300M has been invested in our state-of-the-art laboratories, high- and low-containment facilities, and in vivo animal facilities for studies using natural hosts such as poultry and livestock. Researchers benefit from access to advanced Science Technology Platforms including microscopy, flow cytometry, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics.

Our culture is defined by openness, integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence, where people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines come together with a common purpose: advancing science to improve the world in which we live.

About the role

Coronaviruses and their impact on human health has received significant attention since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Related coronaviruses infecting animals and livestock species, such as avian Gammacoronavirus infectious bronchitis virus, have long been recognised as major pathogens with substantial animal welfare and economic implications. Exotic coronaviruses and those with zoonotic potential pose additional risks to both livestock and human populations. Despite recent efforts, there is still insufficient understanding about many aspects of coronavirus replication and their interaction with their host cell. In addition, how conserved virus: host interactions are across the coronaviruses is not well understood. Our research aims to fill these knowledge gaps to advance fundamental virology and underpin the development of novel control strategies, including pan-coronavirus control.

We are seeking a motivated and curious postdoctoral research scientist to join the Coronavirus Cellular Biology group, led by Dr Helena Maier, to deliver high quality science and to help maintain a dynamic, successful and supportive team environment. You will join an established team with a strong track record in investigation of coronavirus replication organelles and coronavirus regulation of cellular signalling pathways. In this permanent post, you will work across an exciting and diverse range of projects studying novel molecular interactions of infectious bronchitis virus and other coronaviruses with their host cells to understand critical and conserved steps of the coronavirus replication cycle, advancing the coronavirus field. You will balance driving a main research project with additional side projects following interesting leads, finalising data for publication and generating preliminary data to support grant applications. You will be encouraged to develop and explore new ideas and engage with collaborators. Once fully embedded within the team, you will become a trusted source of advice for junior lab members with a broad understanding of the range of projects within the team. Using a spectrum of virology, reverse genetics, cell culture, standard and advanced bioimaging, molecular and biochemical techniques, and incorporating comparative virology, you will:

• Identify the role of host proteins and pathways in virus replication utilising our recent results from genome-wide screens and ‘omics datasets.
• Characterise the molecular mechanisms of replication organelle assembly and function including characterising critical viral and cellular proteins and deciphering stepwise processes essential for the virus.
• Investigate mechanisms of viral regulation of cellular metabolic, stress and antiviral pathways.
• Compare findings across a broad range of human, livestock and animal coronaviruses used routinely within the team to illuminate conserved replication strategies.

Who we’re looking for

As the successful candidate, you will be:

• An experienced virologist who is passionate about coronaviruses and understands how specific research questions contribute to the broader knowledge of coronavirus biology.
• Reliable and organised, including being able to manage multiple projects.
• Able to design experiments and to troubleshoot assays.
• Innovative and agile, able to develop new projects and introduce new techniques.
• An excellent communicator.
• A team player but also able to work independently and to take responsibility for driving your own project(s).

Main duties and responsibility

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

• Performing laboratory and desk-based work to drive progress of your research projects.
• Generating preliminary data to support funding applications by Dr Maier.
• Effectively working across a range of projects simultaneously.
• Following up observations to develop new projects.
• Establishing the use of new techniques within the group.                                                                                                          

Responsible for communicating the results of the research:

• Presenting research findings at internal and external meetings.
• Drafting manuscripts and other reports.
• Participating in outreach events to disseminate research to a wider audience.                                                                                                                      

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

• Supporting junior members of the group including providing training in laboratory techniques.
• Participating in regular lab meetings and journal clubs and attending Institute seminars.
• Drafting and submitting proposals for intern projects and small research grants.
• Writing protocols, risk assessments and other documentation.
• Laboratory management (ordering, sample inventories, point of contact for equipment maintenance).
• Representing the research group on committees, steering groups and other meetings.
• Taking responsibility for ensuring that your 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 molecular virology (e.g. virus propagation, titration, molecular cloning, qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation).
• Experience of research into virus: host cell interactions.
• Experience of direct and indirect fluorescence microscopy.
• 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. chickens, pigs, bats).
• Experience of analysing large datasets 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 transmission electron microscopy.

What we offer

• Beautiful campus in a semi-rural location with free on-site parking and good transport links.
• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life assurance (subject to age and earnings).
• 25 days annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with long service.
• Enhanced Parental package.
• Option to buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over or buy up to two weeks' annual leave.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount website).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Childcare allowance.
• Electric car charging facilities.
• Access to on-site subsidised facilities including staff restaurant, gym, and social club.