Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Postdoctoral Research Scientist– (24P-36)

The Pirbright Institute

Salary: £38,500 - £40,000 per annum

Onsite: Woking, GU24

Fixed-Term Contract Until 16/06/2027

Application Closing Date: 11/07/2024

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. 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

This postdoctoral position will be funded by a BBSRC research grant in collaboration with the National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI) in India and the Royal Veterinary College, UK. The postholder will be based primarily at The Pirbright Institute, with travel to India as required. The overall aim of this research project is to understand the main drivers of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection in India and the effectiveness of vaccination in cattle over time. This project will provide valuable knowledge to feed into the global control of lumpy skin disease in endemic settings.

The wider research grant is split across two work packages. Working on work package 2, this three-year funded position combines epidemiological and entomological field studies in India with statistical and spatial data analyses. Disease distribution will be analysed using a combination of spatial and statistical methods, to determine factors driving disease in India. Following the development of laboratory assays to assess immune responses to infection and vaccination as part of work package 1, vaccine effectiveness studies will be conducted in the field. The post holder will be expected to work closely with members of the research team from both work packages.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Responsible for conducting entomological and epidemiological field studies, which will include:

• Literature review to support the project.
• Designing and implementing epidemiological studies.
• Developing and implementing a longitudinal surveillance network in a region of India.
• Conducting field collections of vectors of LSDV.
• Training others in epidemiological and entomological data collection techniques.
• Morphological and molecular identification of collected vectors.
• Conducting spatial and statistical analyses.
• Work in close collaboration with other members of the project (in the UK and India).

Additional Requirements:

• Communicating project progress, including reporting and presentations at group meeting to the project PIs and during regular project meeting with the funders and stakeholders.
• Presenting data at national and international conferences and driving the production of high quality, peer-reviewed publications including producing first drafts of manuscripts.
• Preparation of final technical report for distribution to funders and stakeholders.

Contributing to the scientific community at The Pirbright Institute:

• Support all aspects of good research practice including biosecurity, quality assurance and health & safety processes.
• Participate in outreach activities to communicate at the scientific work to wider interested audiences.
• Be actively involved in the scientific community and knowledge exchange at the Pirbright Institute by attending internal and external seminars, presenting and discussing own work and ideas.
• Working with the research community to promote a positive research culture.

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.

Personal Specification

• Problem solving skills.
• Highly organised/ excellent time management skills.
• Excellent teamwork/ communication skills.
• Able to work independently.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• A PhD in epidemiology or entomology, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in conducting entomological surveys in the field, and morphological/ molecular identification techniques.
• Experience conducting observational epidemiological studies.
• Experience analysing data from epidemiological studies.
• Evidence of liaising with multiple stakeholders and working as part of a diverse team.
• Experience of tropical field work and/or working in remote conditions.

Desirable

• Knowledge of different vector species, particularly mosquitoes, midges and/or large biting flies.
• Experience conducting spatial analysis combining field and geospatial data.
• Experience with machine learning analysis.
• Experience conducting field vaccine efficacy and/or effectiveness studies.

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.

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.

We would like to encourage all overseas applicants to consider the Tier 1 Global Talent Visa route. This has been designed for eligible, scientific researchers to work and live in the UK, subject to certain criteria. Please see for further information under the link: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

The Pirbright Institute may be able to make a financial contribution towards the cost of immigration to the UK.

We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, for example individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, women, and people with disabilities (visible and hidden). We are committed to taking steps to increase the diversity of our employee and student community and removing any barriers to opportunities and success.

The Institute is committed to retaining employees on fixed term contracts. The Institute operates a Redeployment process which is the moving of an employee from one role to another suitable alternative role, when possible, to avoid compulsory redundancies.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.