Job Description
Insectary Technician – (24P- 103)
The Pirbright Institute
Salary: £32,500-£33,500 per annum
Onsite: Woking, GU24
Application Closing Date: 19/03/2025
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
We are seeking an Insectary Technician to support the maintenance and supply of nationally unique and internationally significant colonies of Culicoides biting midges.
These insects are key vectors of globally important livestock and equine viruses, including bluetongue virus and African horse sickness virus. Ensuring the reliable upkeep of these colonies is essential for ongoing research into virus-vector interactions at The Pirbright Institute.
In addition, the technician will be responsible for maintaining mosquito colonies and providing insect stocks to Pirbright scientists, external collaborators, and commercial partners. This role reports to and supports the Insectary Manager.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Responsible for maintenance of unique Culicoides and mosquito colonies, which will include:
* Blood feeding adults using an artificial membrane system
* Collection of pupae and eggs
* Maintenance of larval rearing trays
Responsible for supply of Culicoides and mosquitoes to users, which will include:
* Providing adult Culicoides and mosquitoes to users
* Liaising with scientists to discuss requirements
* Shipping of insects to national and international users
Responsible for colony rooms as room officer, which will include:
* Ensuring a clean and safe working environment
* Liaising with the engineering team and Insectary Manager to ensure appropriate rearing conditions are maintained
* Adhering to strict biosafety control measures
Shared responsibility for maintenance of other insect colonies, which will include:
* Support maintenance and supply of genetically modified mosquito lines mosquitoes and large biting flies
* Blood feeding adults using an artificial membrane system
* Collection of eggs and maintenance of larval rearing trays
* Collection and screening of pupae under a microscope
Responsible for maintenance supply to collaborators, which will include:
* Discussion of needs and supply timetable with collaborators
* Maintenance of material transfer agreement (MTA) documentation and supply records
To ensure consistent insect maintenance and supply, this role will require the flexibility to work on Bank Holidays, with annual leave credited accordingly and requires a three-month notice period.
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
* Experience rearing insects for research
* Higher education to degree level in a biological science
* Evidence of working successfully as a part of a team
* Evidence of organizational skills and attention to detail
* Experience of working in a laboratory environment
* Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with others across disciplines and work areas
Desirable
* Experience rearing vector insects such as mosquitoes
* Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
What we offer
* Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
* 33.5 days annual leave per annum (due to requirement to work bank holidays), pro rata
* 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.