Postdoctoral Research Scientist – (24P-87) The Pirbright Institute Salary: £38,500 - £40,000 per annum Permanent Onsite: Woking, GU24 Application Closing Date: 31/01/2025 Please send your CV alongside a Cover Letter to jobspirbright.ac.uk 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 This postdoctoral position will support activities in the Applied Epidemiology group, which study how the drivers of disease transmission, spread, and emergence are connected to their effects on people's livelihoods and health. The postholder will be based primarily at The Pirbright Institute, with travel abroad as required. The post holder will be expected to work closely with members of other research groups in the Institute as well as national and international collaborators. Main duties and responsibilities: Responsible for designing and implementing epidemiological field studies, which will include: Designing and implementing field epidemiological studies Conducting statistical analysis from epidemiological (observational and intervention) studies. Work in close collaboration with national and international collaborators. Driving the production of high quality, peer-reviewed publications. Additional requirements: Communicating projects progress, including reporting and presentations at group meetings, and during regular project meetings with funders and stakeholders. Presenting data at national and international conferences. Preparation of final technical report for distribution to funders and stakeholders. Contributing to the scientific community at The Pirbright Institute: Support all aspects of good research practice including biosecurity, quality assurance and health and safety processes. Participate in outreach activities to communicate the scientific work to wider, interested audiences. Be actively involved in the scientific community and knowledge exchange at The Pirbright Institute by attending internal and external seminars, presenting, and discussing own work and ideas. Working with the research community to promote a positive research culture. 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 their 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 Problem solving skills. Highly organised and excellent time management skills. Expertise in working collaboratively and communicating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Able to work independently. Essential/Desirable requirements Essential PhD in epidemiology or equivalent experience. Experience designing and implementing field epidemiological studies. Experience analysing data from epidemiological studies combining different sources of data. Evidence of liaising with multiple stakeholders and working as part of a diverse team. Desirable A master’s degree in epidemiology. Experience conducting network analysis combining field and laboratory data. Experience conducting vaccine efficacy and/or effectiveness studies. Experience analysing virus genomic databases for outbreak investigation and to understand disease dynamics. Experience of tropical field work and/or working in remote conditions. 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. 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 jobspirbright.ac.uk for an update.