Job Description
Senior Postdoctoral Scientist – (24P-019)
The Pirbright Institute
Fixed Term Contract until 31/07/2025
Salary: £45,000-£46,000 per annum
Onsite: Woking, GU24
Application Closing Date: 06/06/2024
About 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.
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
In the Transmission Biology group we study the transmission of viral diseases of livestock using a combination of transmission experiments, field studies and mathematical modelling. A major focus is to understand the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), particularly via environmental and airborne routes, and use this to develop new methods for control and surveillance.
The Senior Post-Doctoral Scientist will lead the experimental work of the group, including animal and field studies, and with a particular focus on understanding airborne transmission. They will also identify and seek funding for new areas of work for the group. The post-holder will report to the head of the group.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Responsible for leading the experimental work of the group, which will include:
* Designing, preparing and carrying out studies of FMDV in aerosols
* Designing and preparing field and animal studies on FMDV under high containment and in overseas countries
* Managing and carrying out laboratory testing of samples generated by the group (primarily by virus isolation in cell culture or quantitative PCR)
* Disseminating research findings in high quality, peer-reviewed journals and at national and international meetings
* Maintaining quality assurance and biosecurity standards within the experiments
Responsible for developing new areas of work, which will include:
* Identifying new approaches to understanding transmission of viral diseases of livestock (focusing on, but not limited to, FMDV)
* Seeking additional funding to develop these approaches and integrating them within the work of the group
Responsible for managing staff and students, which will include:
* Managing the group’s laboratory staff (currently one postdoctoral scientist)
* Identifying student projects, obtaining funding for them and supervising the projects
* Being committed to personal development in this area, including attending regular training
Responsible for outbreak response, which will include:
* Assisting with the Institute's response to disease outbreaks as required
Contributing to the research culture at Pirbright, which will include:
* Taking on committee roles where appropriate for grade, including representing the group where the group leader is unavailable
* Contributing to outreach activities with a range of different audiences
Due to the nature of the work we do, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
* A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences
* At least three years postdoctoral experience in a relevant subject, including experience of general virology or molecular biology techniques and cell culture techniques
* At least three peer-reviewed publications as lead or last author in internationally recognized journals
* Experience of working in biological containment facilities with highly contagious pathogens including developing biosecure methods
* Willingness to work both out of standard working hours and in overseas countries
* Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including conference attendance
Desirable
* Experience in aerobiology, such as microthread techniques (including maintenance of orb spider colony and handling of spiders) and use of aerosol sampling equipment
* Skills to lead animal experiments conducted under high containment
* Leadership experience including line management of staff and students and personal development training
* Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships with partners from a different country
* Experience of writing and managing small-scale grants
* Evidence of participation and leadership in scientific community activities (e.g. committees; mentoring; working groups)
* Measures of esteem (including awards and invited lectures)
* Evidence of carrying out outreach activities with a range of audiences
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 employee restaurant
* Childcare allowance
* Free onsite parking
* Electric car charging facilities
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 jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.