Laboratory Analyst

About The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading centre of excellence for research and surveillance of viral diseases affecting farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. Strategically funded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Institute works to enhance national and international capability to predict, detect, contain, control and eliminate economically and clinically important viral diseases through highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience. Pirbright’s charitable objective is to conduct and promote scientific research into diseases of animals, including exotic diseases, and to develop appropriate methods for their prevention and control. Our mission is to be the world’s leading innovative centre for preventing and controlling viral diseases of livestock, applying scientific research to protect animal and human health and support the economy.

Based on a dedicated campus in Pirbright, Surrey, southwest of London, the Institute employs just over 400 staff, with research supported by 52 PhD students and nine interns from a wide range of backgrounds. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our community and on a culture built around our PRIDE values: Passion for the highest standards of quality, delivery and performance; Reliability in everything we do, including leadership, learning, biosecurity and anticipating and containing unexpected events; Innovation as the driving force behind our fundamental and applied science; Dignity and respect for every member of our diverse community; and Excellence in all aspects of our work, from health, safety and biosafety to scientific research, customer service and environmental protection.

Pirbright provides national and international capacity to predict, detect, understand and respond to emerging viral diseases of livestock, as well as endemic viruses circulating within and beyond the UK. Our diagnostics, surveillance facilities and specialist expertise form an important national capability, helping to protect the UK from livestock viral diseases that threaten our borders and enabling us to respond decisively and rapidly in the event of an outbreak. Our fundamental research focuses on viruses, hosts and the complex interactions between them, while our wider science addresses key challenges including protecting the UK and global agriculture from viral threats, increasing agricultural efficiency to improve animal health and welfare, mitigating the growing threat of vector-borne diseases driven by climate change, and improving human health through a greater understanding of vaccine-induced protection.

With internationally recognised expertise in virology, immunology, diagnostics and surveillance, Pirbright combines fundamental discovery with practical solutions to tackle today's diseases and prepare for the emerging viral threats of tomorrow. Advancing science to improve the world in which we live.

Organisation position & Purpose

The Non-Vesicular Reference Laboratories (NVRL) provides a national and international diagnostic service for viral animal transboundary diseases. The post holder will support the day-to-day activities of the NVRL with particular focus on disinfectant testing. Veterinary disinfectants play an essential part in the prevention and control of endemic and epizootic animal diseases. The Pirbright Institute works with the Animal and Plant health agency to test disinfectants seeking approval for inclusion on the Defra disinfectants approvals list and other clients to meet their own disinfectant testing requirements. At present these are primarily tests for Foot and Mouth disease and Swine vesicular disease virus.

Main Purpose of the Role

Maintain performance of the disinfectant testing laboratory, which will include:

• Plaque assay for determining disinfectant efficacy against foot and mouth disease virus, swine vesicular disease virus and African swine fever virus.
• Sample receipt and processing.
• Preparation and monitoring of control stocks, including viruses.
• Propagation and maintenance of appropriate secondary cell lines.
• Correctly identifying and addressing quality events.                                                        

Maintain efficient, safe and quality-focused performance of the laboratory, which will include:

• Waste management.
• Reagent preparation.
• Appropriate stocking of laboratory consumables.
• Instrument calibration.
• Adherence to standard operating procedures and biosafety regulations.                                                                             

Supoprting NVRL diagnostics, which will include:

• ELISA and PCR testing of routine and outbreak samples.
• Sample receipt and Data entry using the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Participation in on-call rota.                                                                                                                        

Specific Requirements

Essential

• A BSc or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences
• Minimum 1 year experience in basic lab techniques particularly cell culture and aseptic technique
• Demonstated experienced of maintaining cell lines
• Demonstrated experience of managing pathogen stocks and reagents
• Strong organisational and communication skills including time management and record keeping
• Capable of careful, precise work
• Good computer skills/ knowledge of Microsoft packages
• Demonstrated understanding of laboratory practices eg: COSSH, risk assessment, waste management

Desirable

• Experience in serological techniques
• Experience in PCR
• Experience in working to ISO/IEC 17025 standards or equivalent

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 Pirbright offers you

• A unique opportunity to shape both your research programme and the scientific direction of a world-leading institute.
• 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).
• Professorial-equivalent appointment (Band H); salary negotiable.
• Permanent position with senior leadership responsibilities.
• Annual consumables budget, access to internal PhD studentships, internships, and seed funding.
• Eligibility for strategic funding for a postdoctoral researcher.
• 25 days annual leave plus 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.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change to carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by the line manager and may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing need of 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.

We acknowledge, understand, and embrace diversity, equality and inclusion

Our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable environment that supports cutting-edge research and professional growth.