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 and in collaboration with the Coronavirus group, the successful candidate will conduct exciting and timely research to complete objectives associated with BBSRC funded project “deciphering the impact of coinfection on avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus replication from cells to whole animals”. Using a broad variety of virology, bioimaging, molecular biology, cell culture, ex vivo and in vivo techniques, the post holder will identify and characterise the ability of different IBV strains to infect the same cell and determine whether their genomes locate to the same compartment in the cell, a requirement for recombination to take place. Working with other members of the collaborative team, the postholder will complete an in vivo study to determine how quickly after vaccination chicks can be coinfected with a field virus that causes disease and whether this is dependent upon the strain of IBV.

Main duties and responsibility

Responsible for carrying out research into infectious bronchitis virus coinfection, which will include:

• Generating recombinant IBV using reverse genetics
• Characterising coinfection ability between IBV strains and the impact of coinfection on the virus replication cycle (virus titration, qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, fluorescence microscopy)
• Charactering in the impact of coinfection between IBV strains on virus replication organelles (microscopy)
• Characterising the impact of coinfection of birds on virus replication and disease
• Imaging coronavirus infected cells and tissues using standard and advanced bioimaging techniques (i.e. fluorescent in situ hybridisation and STED)
• 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 objectives simultaneously

                                                                                                                       Responsible for communicating the results of the research:

• Presenting research findings at internal and external meetings
• Working with other members of the collaborative research team to coordinate activities and share results
• 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
• 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 (e.g. virus propagation, titration) 
• Significant experience in routine molecular biology techniques (e.g. molecular cloning, qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation) 
• Experience of direct and indirect fluorescence microscopy, including use of image analysis software 
• The ability to validate and troubleshoot assays 
• Evidence of independent working and project development 
• Evidence of working effectively as part of a team on a collaborative project 
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills 

Desirable

• Experience of working with coronaviruses 
• Experience of working with ACGM2 pathogens 
• Experience of live cell imaging, fluorescent in situ hybridisation and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy 
• Experience of viral reverse genetics 
• Experience of in vivo experiments 
• Experience working with cell culture and organ culture from non-model organisms 

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