Senior Postdoctoral Scientist – (24P-019)The Pirbright Institute Fixed Term Contract until 31/07/2025Salary: £45,000-£46,000 per annumOnsite: Woking, GU24Application Closing Date: 06/06/2024About 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 purposeIn 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 countriesManaging 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 meetingsMaintaining quality assurance and biosecurity standards within the experimentsResponsible 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 groupResponsible 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 projectsBeing committed to personal development in this area, including attending regular trainingResponsible for outbreak response, which will include:Assisting with the Institute's response to disease outbreaks as requiredContributing 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 unavailableContributing 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 requirementsEssentialA PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciencesAt least three years postdoctoral experience in a relevant subject, including experience of general virology or molecular biology techniques and cell culture techniquesAt least three peer-reviewed publications as lead or last author in internationally recognized journalsExperience of working in biological containment facilities with highly contagious pathogens including developing biosecure methodsWillingness to work both out of standard working hours and in overseas countriesEvidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including conference attendanceDesirableExperience in aerobiology, such as microthread techniques (including maintenance of orb spider colony and handling of spiders) and use of aerosol sampling equipmentSkills to lead animal experiments conducted under high containmentLeadership 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 countryExperience of writing and managing small-scale grantsEvidence 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 offerGenerous 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 daysBuy and sell annual leave Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leavePirbright gym with subsidised membership Pirbright social clubPirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site) Cycle to work Subsidised employee restaurantChildcare allowanceFree 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.