Senior Postdoctoral Scientist

ThePirbrightInstitutedeliversworld-leadingresearchtounderstand,predict,detectandrespondtoviraldiseaseoutbreaks.WestudyvirusesoflivestockthatareendemicandexotictotheUK,includingzoonoticviruses,byusingthemostadvancedtoolsandtechnologiestounderstandhost-pathogeninteractionsinanimalsandarthropodvectors.Ourmajorstrengthinunderstandingtheimmunesystemsoflivestockprovidesaplatformtocontrolcurrentdiseasesandrespondtoemergingthreats.Thisimportantresearchwouldnotbepossiblewithouttheproportionateuseofanimals,whichareintegraltothedevelopmentofnewdiseasecontrolmeasuressuchasvaccinesanddiagnostics.Wehaveanestablishment-widecommitmenttothe3Rs(replacement,reductionandrefinement),highstandardsofanimalwelfare,acultureofcareandopenness.

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.

Organisationpositionandpurpose

SupportingourInternationalreferencelaboratoriesat VesicularDiseaseReferenceLaboratory , WRLFMD and Non-esicular Reference Laboratory , this position provides a unique opportunity to develop a career aimed at translating emerging diagnostic techniques and improved disease control approaches that are relevant for both the UK and countries receiving overseas development assistance (ODA). Working closely with scientists engaged in fundamental research, you will develop a portfolio of projects through existing and new collaborations with public and industrial partners. You will act as a conduit to pioneer new methods and establish new tools, and generate outputs with international impact to ensure we achieve our aim of predicting, detecting and controlling outbreaks of viral diseases.

Main duties and responsibility Responsiblefordeliveryaprogrammeofappliedresearch,whichwillinclude:50%

• Deliveringscientificworkthattargetsthedevelopmentofnoveldiagnosticplatformsforlivestockdiseases.
• Ensuringresearchactivitiesalignwiththeprioritiesofthereferencelaboratories.
• Recognisingapplied-researchpotentialandimpactsarisingfromtheInstituteresearchportfolio.
• Withinthegroup,actingastheprimarycontacttoestablishandmaintaincollaborativepartnershipswithacademicandindustrialpartners
• IntegratingwithresearchleadersbasedattheInstitute.
• Buildingcapacityfordiagnosticanddiseasecontrolwithinlaboratorynetworks.

Contributetothemanagementofthereferencelaboratories:10%

• Directline-managementofjuniorstafftoensurethattheyaremotivatedtocontributetopriorityobjectives
• Committocontributetoon-callrotasforout-of-hourstesting(whereneeded)

Specific requirements

• Evidenceofexcellentoralandwrittencommunicationskills,includingtheabilitytocommunicateeffectivelywithfundingbodies,peer-reviewgroups,governmentagencies
• Evidenceofproducinghighqualitypublicationsinpeer-reviewedjournals
• Evidenceofnetworkingskillswiththeabilitytobuildeffectivecollaborativerelationships

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, financial and security clearances.

Whatweoffer

• Pirbrightgymwithsubsidisedmembership
• Pirbrightsocialclub
• Cycletowork
• Subsidisedstaffrestaurant
• Childcareallowance
• Freeonsiteparking
• ElectricCarchargingfacilities

Weacknowledge,understand,andembracediversity,equalityandinclusion