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Organisation position and purpose:

This Postdoctoral Avian Influenza Virologist position within the Avian Influenza Research group at The Pirbright Institute (http://www.research.pirbright.ac.uk/avianinfluenza/) is funded by the BBSRC jointly with MSD Animal Health (https://www.msd-animal-health.com/). The focus of research is to develop next-generation vaccines against poultry viral diseases including avian influenza, Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and Gumboro disease. The applicant will work closely with other members of the Avian Infleunza Group (currently 5 Postdoctoral scientists and 4 PhD students), utilising molecular virology immunology, vaccinology, structure biology, viral vectors, recombinant antigen and antibody approaches to develop novel multivalent poultry vaccines inducing faster, stronger and durable immunity against the target avian viral diseases.

The initial funding for this project is until 31st May 2024, which can be extended depending on the availability of further funding.

Main duties and responsibility

Responsible to achieve the objectives of BBSRC project which will include:

• Development of viral vectored vaccines against AIV and NDV
• Viral Reverse Genetic systems of Avian influenza virus, Newcastle Disease Virus, herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT), duck enteritis virus (DEV).
• Recombinant antigens and antibody production in cultured cells systems
• Virus characterisation
• Chicken and duck immune cells characterisation.
• Animal experiments involving chickens and ducks.
• Analysis of samples derived from animal studies.

Responsible for working as part of an established team, which will include:

• Communicating progress and data
• Preparing project reports and manuscripts for publication
• Supervision and training of group members

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.

All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following policies and all employees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you.

Personal specification

Time management, reliability under pressure, decision making/problem solving skills, action-oriented, entrepreneurial, agile, ethical/credible, inspiring, creative, influential, collaborative, emotionally intelligent, diplomatic, results driven, passionate, engaging and recognising.

Specific requirements

Essential

• A PhD or equivalent in virology or immunology
• Working experience of safe handling of high pathogenicity avian infleunza viruses in the high containment laboratory
• Proven experience in reverse genetic and CRISPR-Cas9 techniques for manipulating avian viruses including AIV, NDV, HVT, DEV
• Proven experience in the production and purification of recombinant proteins and antibodies using insect and mammalian expression systems

Desirable

• Evidence of project related publication track record
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with team members and other scientists
• Commitment to delivering high quality, high impact research
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research program and/or specific research project

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.

We would like to encourage all overseas applicants to consider the Tier 1 Global Talent Visa route. This has been designed to offer fast-tracked entry to the UK for scientific researchers to work and live in the UK. Please see for further information under the link: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

The Pirbright Institute may be able to make a financial contribution towards the cost of immigration to the UK.

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

We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, for example individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, women, and people with disabilities (visible and hidden). We are committed to taking steps to increase the diversity of our employee and student community and removing any barriers to opportunities and success.

The Institute is committed to retaining staff employed on fixed term contracts of employment. The Institute operates a Redeployment process which is the moving of an employee from one role to another suitable alternative role, when possible, to avoid compulsory redundancies.

We recognise the need for flexibility in our working and personal lives and we have a range of flexible working arrangements in practice. Where the role allows, arrangements can also be agreed for some informal home-working and we are open to candidate questions about this. If you wish to find out more, or have any questions, please contact [email protected].

To apply for this vacancy please visit our careers page -Jobs | The Pirbright Institute