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Organisation position and purpose

This Research assistant position is a key role within the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Pirbright Livestock Antibody Hub. The Hub exploits the recent advances in our understanding of B-cell responses to better determine the protective immune response in livestock and humans. A key component of our work is to enable antibody discovery, manipulation and testing in cattle, pigs and poultry. We will address the needs of the research community and support rational vaccinology approaches, antibody-based treatment and prophylaxis as well as increasing the applicability of animals as models for human disease and treatment.

An important objective of the Hub is to improve our understanding of antibody Fc and Fc-receptor functions. The successful candidate will characterise the distribution of porcine Fc receptors and determine their interactions with individual antibody (sub)classes. They will use molecular approaches to isolate broadly protective influenza antibodies and evaluate their functions and therapeutic potential.

The research Assistant will work as part of a large multidisciplinary team to advance the aims of the Pirbright Livestock Antibody Hub. The post-holder will report to the senior postdoctoral scientist leading this work with additional supervision from other members of the Antibody Hub and Mucosal Immunology group.

Main duties and responsibility

Responsible for conducting research into transmission, evolution and immunity to swine influenza viruses

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

• Communicating progress and data, including presentations at internal and external meetings
• Preparation of manuscripts for peer-review, stage-based milestone reviews and end of programme assessments
• Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment.
• Assist with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories)
• Perform outreach duties.

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 recognizing.

Specific requirements

Essential

• Relevant Life science degree as a minimum (MSc, Master or higher) in Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology or other science related field
• Evidence of good oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively within a team
• Previous experience in immunology and/or virology research
• Must be able to give meticulous attention to detail including the management of samples and recording of data

Desirable

• Experience of flow cytometry and other immunological or molecular biology techniques
• Experience of working in a laboratory environment
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs and experience in data presentation

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.

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].