Research Associate

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

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join the Mucosal Immunology Group at contributing to a transformative research programme supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and BBSRC Institute Strategic Programme Grants.

This post offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering One Health research initiative focused on interrupting the transmission of respiratory viruses such as influenza andcoronaviruses, which remain major public health challenges despite the availability of current vaccines and antivirals. The work will utilise the pig as a large, natural host animal model due to its close physiological, anatomical, immunological, and genetic similarities to humans. Pigs not only serve as natural hosts for influenza viruses highly similar to those in humans, but their lung structure and antibody responses also provide a highly relevant platform for translational research.

The postholder will investigate the potential of mRNA-encoded antibodies, interferons, and other innate immune stimulators administered to the respiratory tract to prevent infection and interrupt transmission. This will include evaluating their capacity to reduce viral shedding, limit lung pathology, and disease severity. A central element of the project involves comparing different delivery strategies to determine which offer the most effective expression and protection in vivo. The role will also involve the development of porcine influenza-specific monoclonal antibodies following infection or immunisation, with detailed analysis of their specificity, functionality, and repertoire depending on the route of administration.

To achieve these objectives, the postholder will apply a broad range of immunological and virological techniques, including ELISA, microneutralisation assays, virus propagation, plaque assays, molecular cloning, antibody repertoire profiling, and bioinformatics. These methods will be integral to assessing both the immune response and therapeutic efficacy of novel interventions.

This position represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to translational, interdisciplinary research with real-world impact on vaccine and therapeutic development in both human and veterinary medicine. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of the Mucosal Immunology Group and will maintain close communication with collaborators within the BMGF network.

Main Purpose of the Role

Responsible for conducting research into transmission of and immunity to influenza viruses

• Analysis of B and T cell responses following influenza infection
• Identify and characterise antigen-specific B cells using flow cytometry
• Contribute to antibody repertoire analysis under supervision
• Cloning and recombinant expression of influenza specific monoclonal antibodies
• Assist in functional testing of monoclonal antibodies, including ELISA, neutralisation, HAI, ADCC, CDC and ADCP assays
• Preparation of virus challenge material and quantification of virus load in tissues
• Assist with conducting influenza animal studies

Responsible for working as part of a research team, which will include

• Communicating progress and data, including presentations as internal and external meetings
• Helping supervise students and staff
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols
• Assist with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories)
• Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety, and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment
• Performing a range of outreach activities                                                                                                                              

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.

Specific Requirements

Essential

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biosciences discipline
• Experience in influenza virological techniques including virus propagation and quantification, microneutralisation and haemagglutination inhibition assays 
• Experience in immunology including flow cytometry, analysis of cellular and humoral responses, ELISPOT, proliferation assays, ELISA, ADCC and ADCP
• Ability to effectively prioritise tasks and manage workload under pressure
• Willingness to work outside of standard working hours when required

Desirable

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment
• Experience in biological containment practices and in working under biosecure conditions
• Experience in working with large animals
• Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft office packages, experience in data presentation and statistical analyses
• Evidence of experience and vision to carry out scientific research in a multi-disciplinary team

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 [email protected] for an update.

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

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