Overview
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 is conducted with a commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.
Organisation position and purpose
The T-cell Biology group investigates immune responses following infection and immunisation in various livestock species, with a primary focus on pigs. A project funded by the EU Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (EUPAHW) is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to investigate local immunological processes in the reproductive form of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) using cutting edge technologies such as single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics and tetramer reagents.
The postdoctoral scientist will contribute to this European project which has partners in Austria and Spain. The job holder will report directly to, and work closely with, Group Leader Dr Wilhelm Gerner.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Responsible for driving the wet lab research in the UK component of this multi-partner project
* Participate in sample collection during post-mortems of livestock
* Conduct epitope screening with PRRSV primed T cells using overlapping peptides
* Generate and validate tetramer reagents for the identification of PRRSV-specific CD8 T cells
* Perform scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics experiments and contribute to data analysis
* Draft and write scientific reports and manuscripts
* Present research findings in internal meetings and at national and international conferences
* Assist with laboratory management, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and managing sample inventories
* Ensure that all laboratory work is conducted safely and in accordance with local health and safety policies
* Develop and maintain documentation related to health, safety, and biosecurity to support a safe working environment
* Engage in outreach activities as appropriate
Specific requirements
* A PhD in a relevant branch of the biosciences
* Strong knowledge of basic immunology and immunological concepts
* Documented experience in multi-colour flow cytometry
* Documented experience in the expression of recombinant proteins
* Documented experience in T cell assays (e.g. IFN-γ ELISpot)
* Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
* Experience in immunofluorescence imaging
* Experience in performing single cell RNA-sequencing experiments
* Experience in performing spatial transcriptomics experiments
* Experience in conducting animal experiments with livestock
* Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
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
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Science and Research
* Biotechnology Research and Research Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Pirbright Institute by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for “Postdoctoral Researcher” roles.
#J-18808-Ljbffr