Postdoctoral Research Scientist : Pirbright, United Kingdom

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Avian Influenza
POST REF: 16P-10

The Pirbright Institute is a unique national center that works through its highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience to enhance the UK capability to contain, control, and eliminate viral diseases of animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. We thereby support the competitiveness of UK livestock and poultry producers, and improve the health and quality of life of both animals and people.

The Pirbright Institute is at the Pirbright Laboratory in Surrey.

LOCATION
This post is based at Pirbright

PURPOSE 
The purpose of this position is to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Scientist within the Avian Influenza Research group at The Pirbright Institute, to carry out investigations to gain insight into the viral factors that contribute to H7N9 virus maintenance in poultry and transmission to humans. This 3-year research project is fully funded by the BBSRC grant – http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/projects?ref=BB/N002571/1). The researcher will exploit advanced molecular virology techniques to systematically dissect viral genetic components that directly impact on H7N9 virus tissue tropism, pathogenesis, and transmission in avian and mammalian species. In particular, the researcher will investigate: (i) how does the changes in the internal genes influence the virological properties of H7N9 influenza virus?; (ii) how do internal gene cassettes from diversified clades of H9N2 viruses impact on H7N9 virus pathogenesis and transmission in avian and mammalian species?; and (iii) how do the H7N9 viruses transmits from poultry to humans?. The outcome of this research will inform potential risks posed by rapid genetic evolution of H7N9 by acquiring internal genes from circulating H9N2 viruses. The results will be utilised to design and develop improved tailor-made tools for prevention and control of these viruses in poultry and humans.

ORGANISATION POSITION
The post-doctoral position of Avian Influenza Molecular Virologist will be part of Avian Influenza group research team and report to the head of Avian Influenza group within the Avian Viral Diseases programme at the Pirbright Institute. The post holder will also collaborate with other project partners at the Pirbright Institute, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, and The Francis Crick Institute, London.

For more information go to: http://www.research.pirbright.ac.uk/avianinfluenza/

Main duties and responsibilities
The post of postdoctoral Molecular Virologist will broadly undertake research to identify the molecular markers in avian influenza viruses that impact on pathogenesis and cross-species transmission.
The main tasks will include:
· To achieve prescribed research milestones of the BBSRC funded research project.
· To investigate molecular factors that modulate H7N9 virus infectivity, immunogenicity, pathogenesis, host tissue tropism, cross-species transmission. 
· To collaborate with researchers working within the avian influenza group and other research groups developing advanced tools (vaccines and diagnostics) and techniques for the control of avian influenza in poultry and humans.
· To publish research results in high impact scientific journals. 
· Enhance the International impact of the Institute by participation in meetings, joint projects and other activities
· Contribute to the Knowledge exchange, business development and outreach programmes of the Institute
· Participate in the operational and academic management activities of the Institute wherever possible.

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 Human Resources Division and The Pirbright Institute.

All employees shall actively participate in the Institute- wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute's Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following policies and all employees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management.

BENEFITS OF THE POST

The post is graded at a Band D and is a limited term contract with 3 years funding, until 30th June 2019. The salary is £32,200 to £34,929 depending on qualifications and experience. This is a Full Time role of 37 hour week, Monday to Friday.

Pension
Qualifying staff will automatically be enrolled into the Pirbright Institute Group Personal Pension Scheme (subject to age and earnings) which is administered by Aviva. This is a salary exchange scheme. Those staff who do not immediately qualify will be given an opportunity to opt into the scheme. Shortly after commencing employment members of staff that have been auto-enrolled will receive separate information outlining the options open to them and the scheme details. This will be sent from the pension provider. The Institute does not make contributions to other personal pension schemes.

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment plus 10.5 days public and privilege days. The Institute has a subsidised child care scheme, staff restaurant and free parking.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· Any offer of employment will be subject to security screening, health clearance, receipt of satisfactory references, and continued right to work and remain in the UK.

· The Institute is engaged in Research work on a number of virus diseases of livestock, several of which are highly infectious to livestock, compliance with the Disease Security Regulations is an essential requirement of employment. Where disease agents of birds and other domestic animals are being studied specific restrictions to contact with these species may apply off site/ at home. Such restrictions will be applied on a case by case basis subject to on the individual's work portfolio and access to relevant facility areas. In case of poultry and horses it may require 3-5 days of no contact after handling/having contact with these pathogens and materials potentially carrying these agents.

· For those applicants where English is not their first language, please note that the successful applicant must be able to prove their ability to communicate in English. The required standard for the Pirbright Institute has been set as an overall mark of 7.0 in the IELTS qualification (with no lower than 7.0 for listening and reading, no lower than 6.5 for speaking and no lower than 6.0 for writing) or the equivalent in an alternative qualification

Closing date: 10 March 2016

Interview to be held on: TBC

HOW TO APPLY

It is an Institute policy to use a Pirbright Institute application form, please ensure that you complete this form as a CV alone will not be accepted.

To view or apply for this vacancy please visit The Pirbright Institute vacancy website, where an application form and further details can be found: http://www.pirbright.ac.uk/jobs/Jobs.aspx (job reference 16P-10).

Please send applications to:
Email: pirbright.hr@pirbright.ac.uk or Human Resources, The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, GU24 0NF

If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact The Pirbright Institute by telephone on 01483 232441 and ask for the Human Resources Department or email pirbright.hr@pirbright.ac.uk

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and Experience

Essential
· A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences (s)
· Significant and relevant post-qualifying bench experience in Molecular Virology / molecular biology a recognised R&D environment (s)
· Experience in influenza viruses / Reverse Genetics (s)
· An excellent record of research productivity as evident from recent publications in high impact journals (s)
Desirable
· Experience in working with animal model systems (poultry) (s)
Specific skills
Essential
· Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with funding bodies and at scientific meetings etc (i)
Desirable
· Evidence of experience and vision in the management of scientific research with the ability to think strategically (i)
· Evidence of leadership qualities in research in a multi-disciplinary environment (i)
Personal Skills

Essential
· Time management skills (i)
· Reliability under pressure (i)
· Decision making and problem solving skills (i)
· Ability to delegate (i)
· Highly developed negotiation and conciliation skills (i)
· Business planning skills (i)

Special Requirements

· Capacity to travel extensively within UK and overseas, with a flexible approach to hours and occasional overnight stays (i) …