Research Scientist

The Pirbright Institute; Woking; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group Pension

Life Assurance

25 days annual leave

Parental package

Cycle to work

Electric car charging

Job summary

The Pirbright Institute is recruiting for a senior role focusing on avian coronavirus IBV research. The successful applicant will work with cell culture, virology, and molecular biology to evaluate a gene-editing approach in vitro, reporting to the Head of the Coronavirus Group.

The post involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work to advance vaccines and diagnostics, with strong emphasis on safety, lab management, and data dissemination at scientific meetings.

Qualifications

• Significant laboratory bench experience in an R&D environment, especially infectious disease.
• Experience in virological, molecular biological, and cell culture techniques.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills within a team and with collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Culture of continuous cell lines and preparation of media and reagents.
• Growth, titration and characterization of virus stocks; plaque assay and qPCR.
• Generation of transient or stable cell lines; experimental design and statistical data analysis.
• Communicating progress and data to project partners; presentations at meetings.
• Disseminating results via high-quality figures/text for manuscripts and presentations.
• Lab management assistance (ordering, equipment, inventory).
• Maintain daily housekeeping and safety; health, safety, biosecurity documentation.

Skills

Laboratory bench experience

Virological techniques

Molecular biology techniques

Cell culture

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Networking and collaboration

Multi-disciplinary research

Education

BSc or equivalent in biosciences

Tools

Computers / data presentation tools

Job description

Closing Date: 24th September 2026

Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of application.

Please note that The Pirbright Institute is unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position. As a result, applications from candidates who require current or future sponsorship to work in the UK cannot be considered.

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. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

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 position is part of a collaboration to apply innovative technologies for improved control of a major avian pathogen, the Gamma-coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The control of IBV is of increasing importance as poultry is a vitally important food source, with about 44 billion chickens produced worldwide every year. The applicant will play a pivotal role in utilising cell culture, virology and molecular biology techniques to evaluate a novel gene editing-based approach to controlling IBV infection in vitro. The post-holder will report to the Head of the Coronavirus Group.

Main duties and responsibility

Responsible for cell culture and molecular virology, which will include:

• Culture of continuous cell lines.
• Preparation of cell culture media and reagents.
• Growth, titration and characterisation of virus stocks.
• Quantification of virus titres by plaque assay and qPCR.
• Generation of transient or stable cell lines
• Experimental design and statistical data analysis.

Responsible for working as part of an established team, which will include:

• Communicating progress and data to project partners, including presentations at internal and external meetings
• Disseminate results through preparing high-quality figures and text for manuscripts and presenting at scientific meetings
• Assist with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories)

Contribute to the overall research group:

• Take responsibility with others for the daily housekeeping of the laboratory
• Take responsibility with others for ensuring that work in the laboratory is conducted safely and in accordance with local health and safety policies
• Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety, and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment.
• Performing a range of outreach activities.

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 their 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.

Specific requirements

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, collaborative, intellectually engaged and results-oriented. The successful applicant will have strong time management skills and decision-making and problem-solving skills, and adaptability in adjusting to changing priorities.

• Significant relevant laboratory bench experience in a recognised R&D environment, especially in infectious disease
• Experience in virological, molecular biological, and cell culture techniques
• A BSc or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively within a team, and with collaborators
• An achievement record commensurate with the applicant’s career
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs and experience in data presentation and statistical analyses
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
• Evidence of experience and vision to carry out scientific research in a multi-disciplinary environment

What Pirbright offers you

• A unique opportunity to shape both your research programme and the scientific direction of a world-leading institute.
• Beautiful campus in a semi-rural location with free on-site parking and good transport links.
• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life assurance (subject to age and earnings).
• Professorial-equivalent appointment (Band H); salary negotiable.
• Permanent position with senior leadership responsibilities.
• Annual consumables budget, access to internal PhD studentships, internships, and seed funding.
• Eligibility for strategic funding for a postdoctoral researcher.
• 25 days annual leave plus public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with long service.
• Enhanced Parental package.
• Option to buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over or buy up to two weeks' annual leave.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount website).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Childcare allowance.
• Electric car charging facilities.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change to carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by the line manager and may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing need of The Pirbright Institute

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 [e-mail] for an update.

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