Project Team Leader

UK Health Security Agency; Boscombe; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health safety organization in the UK is seeking a researcher to lead projects in the Pre-clinical Evaluation Team. The role involves managing scientific efforts around advanced models for studying infections and therapeutics. Candidates must have a relevant PhD, experience in relevant techniques, and good leadership skills. The organization values inclusivity and encourages diverse applications.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in assessment of cellular immunity.
• Previous experience in managing individuals or a small team.
• Experience at containment level 3 is desirable but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead own projects and contribute to collaborative projects.
• Manage delivery of scientific and technical activities.
• Direct the development of assays to measure immunogenicity.

Skills

Cell biology techniques

Virology techniques

Immunological techniques

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

PhD in virology, cell biology or immunology

Job description

The Pre-clinical Evaluation Team is a translational research group within the wider Countermeasures Development, Evaluation, and Preparedness Division (CDEP) at UKHSA Porton Down, investigating high consequence human pathogens. Research undertaken in the team includes development and application of in vivo models, assays to advance the testing of vaccines, and investigation of organ‑on‑chip technology as an adjunct to our existing capabilities. A range of roles are available within the department, including leading the implementation of organ‑on‑chip models for the study of severe human infections and the efficacy of candidate therapeutics, managing the delivery of in‑vivo studies that may be performed to a higher quality standard, and directing the development of assays to measure immunogenicity and/or efficacy in samples collected during in‑vivo studies.

• Lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the team and with external collaborators), and be responsible for the delivery of the scientific and technical activities within the Pre‑clinical Evaluation Team.
• Have a relevant PhD (or equivalent experience) in virology, cell biology or immunology, and demonstrate the ability to develop and undertake a broad range of cell biology, virological and immunological techniques (specifically assessment of cellular immunity) that support the characterisation of in‑vivo or in‑vitro models of disease.
• Have good communication skills, attention to detail, and strong documentation and organisation skills.
• Have previous experience of managing individuals or a small team, working with external collaborators/customers, and/or working at containment level 3 (desirable although full training and support will be given). Be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project, and use technical experience to lead a small team and ensure delivery of the project area.

We pride ourselves as an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters, promoting equality of opportunity and actively encouraging applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.