Postdoctoral Scientist – (24P-59)
The Pirbright Institute
Salary: £38,500 - £40,000 per annum
Fixed-Term Contract – Until 05/01/2026
Onsite: Woking, GU24
Application Closing Date: 10/10/2024
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.
Organisation position and purpose
The Flavivirus Transmission and Pathogenesis Group uses molecular and systems virology approaches to study the molecular virus-host and virus-vector interactions that drive the transmission and emergence of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). This post is part of a collaborative project funded by the Medical Research Council that aims to increase our understanding of dengue microvascular dysfunction in the liver, and how this contributes to liver pathology. The post requires capabilities in high-containment virology and ex vivo work with complex multicellular primary human cell cultures up to biocontainment level 3.
Personal Specification
Creative, passionate, reliable under pressure, results-driven, collaborative, decision-making ability, problem solving skills, growth mindset to personal development, interpersonal skills.
Main duties and responsibilities:
1. Develop, plan, and execute a personal research project relating to molecular virus-host interactions between dengue virus and multicellular primary liver co-cultures ex vivo.
2. Analyse and critically interpret data using methodologies appropriate to the field.
3. Keep up to date with relevant scientific literature.
4. Prepare material for publication in academic journals and for presentation at scientific conferences.
5. Communicate effectively with all internal and external collaborators involved in research related to this project.
6. Assist in the induction, supervision, and mentorship of other research group members.
7. Actively participate in and contribute to institute and research group culture and activities.
8. Maintain complete and accurate records of all research conducted.
9. Take ownership of personal professional development and communicate with the principal investigator regarding training and support.
The job post may require occasional working at the University of Surrey in addition to The Pirbright Institute.
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
* A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences.
* A keen interest in molecular virus-host interactions.
* Experience working at high containment (equivalent to UK human pathogen containment level 3 or higher).
* Experience working with multicellular primary cell cultures and organoids.
* Experience with molecular biology and cell culture approaches.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Evidence of delivering against objectives, for example through publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Desirable
* Experience working within CL3 facilities at The Pirbright Institute.
* Experience working with dengue virus.
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, if you have not heard from us within one month from the closing date of the vacancy, please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: £38,500.00-£40,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 10/10/2024
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