Postdoctoral 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

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative postdoctoral 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 how best to induce immunological memory  to combat respiratory viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses, 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 immune responses provide a highly relevant platform for translational research.

The postholder will investigate adaptive and innate immune responses in the upper and lower respiratory tract and compare these with systemic responses following influenza or coronavirus infection or immunisation. A key focus of the project will be analysing tissue-resident memory T and B cells, which play a critical role in protection against respiratory infections. Whether this memory is maintained by long-lived or dividing cells remains unclear. To address this, deuterium-enriched water will be administered pigs to label dividing lymphocytes. T and B cell subsets will be isolated from blood, lymph nodes, spleen and bronchoalveolar lavage to compare division rates across compartments.

To achieve these objectives, the postholder will employ a broad range of immunological and virological techniques, including flow cytometry (FACS), ELISpot, virus propagation, and related methods. The project will be in collaboration with professors Derek Macallan and Peter Beverley from St Georges, University of London, and Imperial College London.

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 our collaborators.

Main duties and responsibility  

Responsible for conducting research into immunological memory to respiratory viruses

• Analyse B and T cell responses after influenza infection or immunisation across different tissues
• Separate and sort B cell subsets for GC-MS analysis of sorted populations
• Assist with flow cytometry analyses within the group and contribute to other projects
• Prepare virus challenge material and quantify viral load in tissues
• Assist with conducting animal studies in the group                                                                      

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

• Communicating progress and data, including presentations as internal and external meetings and preparing manuscripts for publication
• Helping supervise undergraduate, MSc, PhD 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

                                                                                                                     Specific requirements

Essential 

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences (s)
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with funding bodies, peer-review groups, government agencies (s)
• Experience in influenza virological techniques including virus propagation and quantification, microneutralisation and haemagglutination inhibition assays (s) (i)
• Experience in immunology including flow cytometry, analysis of cellular and humoral responses, ELISPOT, ELISA s) (i)
• An ability to prioritise tasks effectively while under pressure
• A willingness to work outside normal working hours

Desirable

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment (s) (i)
• 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 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