Postdoctoral Scientist – Immunology & Virology
Hours: 37 hours
Employment Type: Fixed Term/Full Time
Contract Length: Fixed-term contract- 57 months
The post-holder will be an essential member of a research consortium funded by UK Research and Innovation’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The project aims to optimise an mRNA vaccine platform for livestock. The postholder will execute experimental activities relating to the design and in vitro characterisation of broadly reactive antigens, evaluate the immunogenicity of mRNA formulated in different lipid nanoparticles using ex vivo porcine and bovine lymphoid organ culture models, and assess efficacy in cattle, pigs and chickens.
Organisation position and purpose
The post-holder will be a pivotal member of the consortium and will report to Prof Simon Graham.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Responsible for the design of vaccine candidate antigens and their evaluation using LNP formulated mRNA vectors in ex vivo lymphoid organ culture models and in vivo in target animal species (cattle, pigs and chickens). This includes: using in silico approaches to design broadly reactive antigens for influenza A virus (IAV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and bluetongue virus (BTV) and to evaluate their antigenicity as recombinant proteins; developing ex vivo porcine and bovine lymphoid organ culture models and applying cultures from naive and immune animals to evaluate the immunogenicity of mRNA delivered in different LNP formulations; evaluating and comparing immunogenicity of LNP-mRNA vaccine candidates across target species; demonstrating efficacy of lead LNP-mRNA vaccine candidates in cattle (BTV), pigs (IAV and PRRSV) and chickens (IAV).
- Responsible for working as part of a research consortium, which will include: producing and providing purified recombinant antigens, vaccines and viruses to support studies at partner institutions; communicating progress and data at monthly and annual consortium meetings and contributing to funder reports; disseminating results through writing high quality peer-review manuscripts and presenting at scientific meetings; developing and maintaining documentation associated with health, safety, and biosecurity of the research; assisting with lab management; training and supervising a research assistant and other group members, students and visitors.
This job description is an outline of tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties reasonably required by line manager.
Specific requirements
- A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences.
- An excellent record of research productivity relative to experience.
- Experience in immunology including analysis of T cells (flow cytometry) and antibody responses (ELISAs and virus neutralisation assays).
- Experience of recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Experience of vaccine R&D in an industry or academic setting.
- Experience of working with large animals.
- Experience of working with viruses.
- Experience of working in a high biocontainment environment.
- Experience of working in research consortia.
Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through comprehensive screening, 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 plus public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with long service.
- Enhanced maternity package.
- Buy and sell annual leave.
- Option to carry over up to two weeks of annual leave.
- Pirbright gym with membership.
- Pirbright social club.
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
- Cycle to work.
- Subsidised staff restaurant.
- Childcare allowance.
- Free onsite parking.
- Electric car charging facilities.
We acknowledge, understand, and embrace diversity, equality and inclusion.
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