Research Assistant – (24P-47) The Pirbright Institute Salary: £32,500 - £34,000 per annum Fixed-Term Contract Until 31/08/2025 Onsite: Woking, GU24 Application Closing Date: 11/11/2024 Please consider, all applicants must be eligible to work in the UK Please send your CV and Cover Letter to ****** 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 The post-holder will be a pivotal member of the Mucosal Immunology group and will support activities funded by the Institute Strategic Grants awarded by the BBSRC and FluLab.
The aim of this program of work is to develop broadly cross-reactive vaccines that will protect humans against influenza, even in the event of a pandemic.
We will produce viral-vectored vaccines expressing NP+M1 with NA and test the protective efficacy of different routes of immunisation in influenza-exposed pigs, to mimic the effect of human pre-exposure to influenza virus.
We will study T and B cell responses in detail in different tissues to determine the effect of route of vaccination and attempt to identify correlates of protection.
Pigs are genetically, immunologically, physiologically, and anatomically more like humans than small animals and an excellent model for human influenza.
The project will require a scientist with training in a wide range of immunological and virological techniques such as FACS analysis, ELISA, ELISPOT, microneutralisation, virus propagation and plaque assays.
This project represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a consortium comprising the Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute, and the Pirbright Institutes carrying out One Health research.
It is suitable for virologists and/or immunologists with a keen interest in translational research for human and animal health.
The post-holder will report to the Mucosal Immunology Group Leader.
Main duties and responsibilities: Responsible for conducting research into transmission, evolution, and immunity to swine influenza viruses: Determination of antigen specificity and function of MAbs (neutralisation, binding, ELISA, HAI, ADCC, CDC and ADCP).
Preparation of virus challenge material and quantification of virus load in tissues.
Mammalian expression of protein antigens.
Analysis of B and T cell responses after influenza infection and/or immunisation (T and B cell ELISPOT, Flow cytometry, cell proliferation).
Contribute to animal studies to evaluate properties of transmission blockers.
Responsible for working as part of a research team, which will include: Communicating progress and data, including presentations at internal / 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.
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.
Essential/Desirable 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.
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 carried out by Pirbright, 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 employee restaurant.
Childcare allowance.
Free onsite parking.
Electric car charging facilities.