Research Scientist - (24P- 94)
The Pirbright Institute
Salary: £32,500-£33,500 per annum
Fixed Term Contract until 31/03/2026
Onsite: Woking, GU24
Application Closing Date: 26/02/2025
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.
Organisation position and purpose
The Pirbright Institute is seeking a passionate and driven Research Scientist to join our Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease Group, led by Professor Munir Iqbal. This BBSRC and DEFRA-funded position is available until 31st March 2026 and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on avian influenza.
In this role, you will play a key part in unravelling the evolutionary mechanisms that enable high pathogenicity H5Nx avian influenza viruses to infect and persist in birds. Your research will focus on identifying molecular markers that influence virus antigenicity, virulence, and adaptation in both avian and mammalian species.
If you're passionate about virology and eager to make a real impact in global disease control, we encourage you to apply!
Main duties and responsibilities:
* Conduct and manage research experiments to achieve key project objectives and milestones within the specified timelines, ensuring high scientific standards and reproducibility.
* Design, set up, optimize, and execute experimental protocols in consultation with the principal investigator and research team, adapting methodologies as needed to address research challenges.
* Perform in-depth data analysis and interpretation using appropriate statistical and computational tools, drawing meaningful conclusions to advance the understanding of avian influenza virus evolution and adaptation.
* Prepare and disseminate research findings by drafting manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and developing presentations for national and international scientific conferences.
* Engage actively in the research community by participating in group discussions, presenting data at internal meetings, and contributing to the collaborative scientific environment within the institute.
* Foster strong collaborations with fellow research group members and external partners, providing support, sharing expertise, and assisting with joint research efforts when required.
* Ensure meticulous record-keeping by maintaining comprehensive, accurate, and well-organized documentation of all research activities, data analyses, and experimental protocols.
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
* MSc/MPhil in Virology
* Fundamental knowledge in virology: Influenza and related viruses infecting poultry
* Experience in the safe handling of low and high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses
* Demonstrable experience in molecular biology, molecular virology, immunology, and cell culture techniques
Desirable
* Experience in experimental work with animals involving viruses.
* Evidence of working both independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary research teams.
* Evidence of published work in the project related research field.
* Demonstrated organizational, time management, and communication skills.
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
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