Postdoctoral Scientist – (24P-56)
The Pirbright Institute
Salary: £38,500 - £40,000 per annum
Fixed-Term Contract Until 31/08/2027
Onsite: Woking, GU24
Application Closing Date: 02/10/2024
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
We seek an experienced postdoctoral scientist to join the Horizon Europe funded REPRODIVAC project, which aims to develop next-generation vaccines and diagnostics to prevent and control infectious reproductive diseases of livestock of worldwide impact.
The post-holder will play a key role in achieving one of the project objectives, working in collaboration with partners to isolate antibodies that broadly neutralise PRRSV and define the epitopes they recognize.
Main duties and responsibilities:
* Generation and functional characterisation of recombinant PRRSV-neutralising porcine monoclonal antibodies.
* Production of fluorescently tagged PRRSV-1 and -2 virions and recombinant glycoproteins for use as antigen-baits.
* Single PRRSV-specific B cell sorting from selected pigs.
* PCR and sequence analysis of antibody heavy and light chain genes.
* Cloning and recombinant expression of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
* Functional characterisation of mAbs.
* Production and provision of materials for epitope mapping studies.
* Supporting evaluation of novel PRRSV vaccine candidates.
* Isolation of C.burnetii-specific mAbs from immune sheep and goats.
* Dissemination of results through writing peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting at scientific meetings.
* Assisting with lab management and supervision of group members.
Personal Specification
* Intellectually engaged and results driven.
* Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
* Attention to detail.
* Able to problem solve creatively.
* Ability to drive projects independently.
Essential requirements
* A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences.
* Experience of recombinant protein expression and purification.
* Molecular biology experience/skills.
* Experience in immunology including flow cytometry and ELISAs.
* Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
Desirable requirements
* Project management experience.
* Experience in vaccine R&D.
* Experience of working with large animals and viruses.
* Experience in high biocontainment environments.
* Experience in international research consortia.
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.
What we offer
* Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover.
* 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
* Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
* Childcare allowance.
* Free onsite parking.
Due to the high volume of applications, if you have not heard from us within one month from the closing date, please contact us at 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: 02/10/2024
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