Postdoctoral Research Scientist: The Pirbright Institute, a renowned research institution dedicated to combating viral diseases, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to contribute to a groundbreaking project focused on developing a serological test for the eradicated Rinderpest virus (RPV). The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team, spanning low to high containment laboratories, to generate reagents, develop assays, and validate tests essential for global disease surveillance and response.
Designation: Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Research Area: Virology, Molecular Biology, Serology, Test Validation
Location: The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Essential:
- PhD in virology or molecular biology
- Experience in molecular biology techniques, including recombinant protein production and/or molecular diagnostics
- Proficiency in serological techniques
- Familiarity with bioinformatics, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis
- Working knowledge of test validation exercises and a collaborative approach to scientific research
- Enthusiasm and knowledge of veterinary virology
- Desirable:
- Experience with test validation to ISO/IEC 17025 or equivalent guidelines
- Familiarity with antibody engineering and protein-protein interactions
- Practical experience in quantitatively assessing protein-protein interactions using techniques such as ELISA, BLI, or flow cytometry
- Excellent molecular virology skills, including cloning, tissue culture, PCR, and protein purification
- Evidence of research study development and execution
- Track record of writing peer-reviewed publications
Job Description:
- Conduct an experimental program in line with research grant milestones, including:
- Literature review to support the project
- Generation of reagents: cloning, validation, and production of RPV Hemagglutinin (H) protein and recombinant antibodies
- Method development and optimization of a prototype ELISA
- Initial test validation and establishment of test parameters
- Facilitation of cross-organization test validation
- Manage day-to-day laboratory activities and contribute to good laboratory practices, biosecurity, quality assurance, and health and safety processes
- Communicate project progress through reports, group meetings, and regular meetings with funders and stakeholders
- Present data at national and international conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
- Provide support, training, and supervision to undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students
- Contribute to outreach activities and promote a positive research culture within the scientific community
How to Apply: Interested candidates should apply through the institute’s online application portal by the closing date of April 1, 2024.
Last Date for Apply: April 1, 2024
For inquiries, contact jobs@pirbright.ac.uk.
Reference: 23P-149
Published: Mon, 18/03/2024
Contract Length: Fixed-term contract until April 31, 2027
Salary: £37,000 – £38,000
Note: Due to the high volume of applications, if you do not receive a response within one month after the closing date, please contact jobs
