Senior Postdoctoral Scientist

The Pirbright Institute; Woking; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group Pension Scheme

25 days annual leave

Onsite parking

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Pirbright Institute is seeking a senior researcher to lead applied virology research with a focus on developing novel diagnostic platforms for livestock diseases. You will collaborate with international reference laboratories, engage with funding bodies, and drive outputs with real-world impact.

The role involves coordinating cross-disciplinary teams, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to grant proposals while ensuring compliance with international diagnostic standards.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in biosciences.
• Excellent oral and written communication with funding bodies, peer-review groups, and government agencies.
• Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Broad working knowledge of virology and emerging diagnostic technologies.
• Strong networking skills to build collaborative relationships.
• Understanding of validation requirements for diagnostic tests to meet international standards.

Responsibilities

• Delivering scientific work to develop novel diagnostic platforms for livestock diseases.
• Maintaining research networks with academic and industrial partners.
• Leading the preparation of papers and assisting in grant proposals.

Skills

Communication skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Networking

Education

PhD in biosciences

Job description

Closing Date: 28 August 2026

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

Supporting our International reference laboratories at Vesicular Disease Reference Laboratory, WRLFMD and Non-Vesicular 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

Responsible for delivery a programme of applied research, which will include: 50%

• Maintain a watching-brief on emerging technologies and new equipment platforms.
• Delivering scientific work that targets the development of novel diagnostic platforms for livestock diseases.
• Ensuring research activities align with the priorities of the reference laboratories.
• Recognising applied-research potential and impacts arising from the Institute research portfolio.
• Leading the preparation of papers and assisting in work to submit new grant proposals

Responsible for maintaining research networks: 40%

• Within the group, acting as the primary contact to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with academic and industrial partners
• Integrating with research leaders based at the Institute.
• Improving access to technological expertise in collaborating laboratories (NB: overseas travel may be required).
• Building capacity for diagnostic and disease control within laboratory networks.

Contribute to the management of the reference laboratories: 10%

• Direct line-management of junior staff to ensure that they are motivated to contribute to priority objectives
• Commit to contribute to on-call rotas for out-of-hours testing (where needed)

Specific requirements

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with funding bodies, peer-review groups, government agencies
• Evidence of producing high quality publications in peer-reviewed journals
• A broad working knowledge of virology and emerging diagnostic technologies
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
• An understanding of the validation requirements for diagnostic tests to meet international standards

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 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 staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities

We acknowledge, understand, and embrace diversity, equality and inclusion