Job Description
CVIM Senior Scientist – (24P-57)
The Pirbright Institute
Salary: £38,500 - £40,000 per annum
Fixed-Term Contract – Until 31st August 2027
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. 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 Centre for Veterinary vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing (CVIM) at The Pirbright Institute (TPI) has been recently established to help meet an unmet global need for livestock vaccines. CVIM offers an exciting opportunity to bridge the gaps between research, expertise in process development, and manufacturing of innovative vaccines for neglected, zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases of livestock. The selected candidate will be expected to support research and development (R&D) activities of CVIM and will join the CVIM process development team and be supervised by the Process Development and Facility Lead. The advertised role provides a unique opportunity to develop new scientific and technical skills across a range of vaccine platforms and to engage with collaborators and industry.
Personal Specification
Time management, reliability under pressure, decision making/problem solving skills, action-oriented, entrepreneurial, creative, influential, collaborative, diplomatic, results driven, passionate, engaging and recognising.
Main duties and responsibilities:
The successful candidate will join a highly skilled team to support the development of veterinary vaccines using a range of technology platforms, including the evaluation of RNA as a cost-effective vaccine platform for application in livestock. The role will involve supporting early-stage R&D activities, the development of manufacturing processes (up-stream and down-stream) and their scale-up, as well as quality assurance and assessment of vaccine efficacy. The work will incorporate methods, quality assurance, good laboratory practices (GLP) and good manufacturing practices (GMP) aligned with industry.
* To support R&D activities and projects conducted within CVIM.
* To assist in the development of new upstream and downstream processes suitable for the development and scale-up of new veterinary vaccines.
* To assist in the assessment of antigen production and quality assurance.
* To prepare reference antigens and perform serology assays using vaccinate sera.
* To incorporate good laboratory practice (GLP) to a compatible standard to that used during the development of commercial vaccines by major manufacturers.
* To assist in work towards GMP accreditation.
* To participate in training necessary for CVIM activities.
This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
•A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences.
•Laboratory experience that encompasses a wide range of cell culture, molecular biology and virology techniques.
•Ability to work independently and as a member of a group.
•Ability to multitask with good planning skills.
•Excellent communication skills.
Desirable
• Good networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships.
• Experience in manufacturing processes (upstream and/or downstream processes).
• Experience in RNA vaccine production.
• Experience of working with pathogens and/or in high containment facilities.
• Experience of working with genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs).
• Experience of working to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and/ or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
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 jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.