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Job Title Postdoctoral Scientist
Job Reference Number 20P-40
Directorate Science
Department PRRS Immunology
Pay Band and Salary Range Band D; from £32,361 up to £35,104 considered depending on experience and qualifications
Contract type Fixed term (20 months)
Reporting To Group Leader (PRRS Immunology)
Line Manager Responsibilities No
Main Work Location The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, GU24 0NF
Application Closing Date 04/09/2020
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 hostpathogen 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:
The post-holder will be a pivotal member of the PRRS Immunology Group and will be responsible for delivery of two new collaborative industry-funded projects aimed at developing novel porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines. PRRSV is responsible for one of the most economically important disease affecting the global pig industry. PRRSV remains one of the largest poorly met needs in global swine health. Current modified live (MLV) and killed vaccines have only a modest impact. There is therefore an urgent need to develop improved vaccines.
Approach 1: Neutralising antibodies can provide immunity against PRRSV. However, PRRSV modulates the neutralising antibody response by focusing the immune response on non-neutralising decoy epitopes and by glycan shielding of neutralising epitopes. In most instances neutralising antibodies appear to target epitopes within hypervariable regions of surface glycoproteins and so are restricted in the breadth of their activity. We will design and generate genetically modified PRRSV strains which we hypothesise will stimulate enhanced neutralising antibody responses.
Approach 2: There is growing evidence that T cell responses are critical for protection in the absence of neutralising antibodies. Targeting of conserved PRRSV antigens by cell-mediated immunity is an attractive strategy that has the potential to overcome limitations of existing vaccines. We will evaluate the ability of herpesviral vectored delivery of PRRSV antigens to induce cell-mediated immunity.
These two projects will require a scientist with training in a range of immunological and virological techniques such as FACS analysis, ELISpot, ELISA, RT-qPCR, virus neutralisation assays and virus propagation. Experience of primary cell isolation and culture, and of conducting studies in large animals would be highly advantageous. This represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a vaccine research and development project and is suitable for virologists and/or immunologists with a keen interest in translational research. The post-holder will report to the PRRS Immunology Group Leader and will be expected to contribute to the training and supervision of students directly engaged in this project or other projects within the group.
Main duties and responsibility
Responsible for conducting research into the evaluation of novel PRRSV vaccine candidates, which will include:
• To characterise the biological properties of recombinant PRRSV strains in vitro.
• Assisting with the planning and logistics of conducting vaccination and challenge study in pigs.
• Preparation and characterisation of vaccine and challenge virus materials (including the isolation and culture of porcine alveolar macrophages) and quantification of virus load in blood and tissues (RT-qPCR and TCID50 assays)
• Analysis of immune responses to vaccination and challenge, including quantitative andqualitative assessment of T cell responses and B cell/antibody responses, including assessment of the titre and breadth of neutralising antibody response.
Responsible for working as part of a research team, which will include:
• Producing high quality peer-reviewed publications
• Presenting studies at high profile international meetings and liaising with collaborators and funders.
• Assist with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories)
• Supervision of students and staff.
• Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment.
• Performing outreach activities.
Responsible for working as part of an established team, which will include:
• Communicating progress and data
• Disseminate results through writing high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting at scientific meetings
• Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment.
• Assist with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories)
• Supervision and training of group/hub members, students and visitors
• Perform outreach duties
This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role.
The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager.
The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.
All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following policies and all employees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management.
Personal specification
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, intellectually engaged and results oriented. The successful applicant will have strong time management, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
As well as an ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Specific requirements
Essential
• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences
• Experience in cell culture
• Experience in virological techniques including virus propagation and quantification, and virus neutralisation assays
• Experience in immunology including analysis of cellular and antibody responses e.g. ELISpot, ELISA and flow cytometry
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• An ability to prioritise tasks effectively while under pressure
• A willingness to work outside normal working hours and to undertake travel worldwide
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
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare vouchers and a subsidised childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
For more information and to access the full job description, visit Jobs The Pirbright Institute
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