Research assistant

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 Non-Vesicular Reference Laboratory (NVRL) at The Pirbright Institute comprises eight National and WOAH reference laboratories, providing diagnostic testing capabilities for both national (Defra, UK Government) and international competent authorities. We perform applied research and develop novel diagnostics to enhance our capabilities to detect and understand a range of high-consequence viral infectious diseases of livestock including bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic disease, African horse sickness, African swine fever, Rinderpest, Lumpy skin disease, sheeppox and goatpox.

The postholder will work within the NVRL at The Pirbright Institute as part of our large multidisciplinary team on a Defra-funded research and development project exploring and enhancing control and detection of orbiviruses, including bluetongue virus (BTV), epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV). The postholder will be based within our high containment (SAPO4) facilities and must comply with all biosafety regulations and procedures.

Since late 2023, the UK has been responding to the emergence of a new strain of BTV serotype 3 (BTV-3) which has resulted in clinical disease in cattle and sheep and has had significant implications for livestock movement, trade and welfare. Commercial BTV-3 vaccines were rapidly developed and licensed for use in the UK in 2024, however vaccine efficacy data to support their use in the field is limited. In this project, we will assess humoral and cellular immune responses to BTV-3 vaccination in cattle and sheep and assess vaccine efficacy to support and encourage their use in the field. Additionally, through this project, we maintain and advance both molecular and serological diagnostic assays, and use whole genome sequencing to ensure timely detection and characterisation of emerging and circulating orbivirus strains that pose a signficiant threat to the UK livestock industry. The work in this project will be directly applied to aid and inform UK policy decisions and further build national contingency through the development and improvement of diagnostic techniques. The postholder will work with the senior scientist and research scientist on the project to deliver milestones across various aspects of the above work packages in this applied research environment. The post is well suited to a candidate with research experience across a breadth of molecular and/or serological assays.

Main duties and responsibility

Responsible for carrying out an experimental programme according to grant milestones, which will include:

• Performing routine serological assays (e.g., ELISA, serum neutralisation test) to assess the ruminant immune response to BTV vaccination/infection.
• Contributing to the development/validation of serological assays to characterise immune responses to BTV.
• Assist in the molecular characterisation of circulating orbiviruses using next generation sequencing (NGS)
• Analysing experimental data and preparing content for reports and/or presentations.
• Provide laboratory support to the senior scientist and research scientist on the project.
• Maintaining detailed, accurate experimental and sample records.
• Performing laboratory maintenance including housekeeping, chemical inventories, routine cell culture and reagent supply.
• Contribute to the wider activities of the NVRL to support exotic disease control.

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

We are looking for someone who is highly motivated and result orientated and has a vision to carry out scientific research in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment. The successful applicant will have strong time management, organisational and problem-solving skills and relevant laboratory experience. They must be able to communicate effectively verbally and keep detailed and accurate written records.

Specific requirements

Essential

• BSc in microbiology or related discipline 
• Minimum 1 year’s experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, sequencing) 
• Minimum 1 year’s experience in performing and/or developing serological assays (e.g., ELISA, SNT) 
• Experience in routine maintenance of cell lines 
• Evidence of reliability under pressure 
• Evidence of diligent record keeping and attention to detail in laboratory work 
• Ability to manage time, organise and multi-task 
• Proven ability to effectively work in a team and good oral communication skills 
• Good computer skills/knowledge of Microsoft packages

Desirable

• Experience of developing/validating diagnostic methods 
• Experience of working in a high-containment laboratory environment 
• Experience in next generation sequencing 
• Background knowledge of livestock diseases 
• Experience in working to ISO/IEC 17025 standards or equivalent 
• Experience working on/processing samples from in vivo studies 

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 public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with 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