**Organisation position and purpose**:
**Main duties and responsibilities**
- Developing viral vectored vaccines against Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) and Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV)
- Developing viral reverse genetic systems of Avian Influenza Virus, Newcastle Disease Virus, Herpesvirus of Turkeys (HVT), and Duck Enteritis Virus (DEV).
- Producing recombinant antigens and antibodies in cultured cell systems
- Characterising viruses
- Characterising chicken and duck immune cells
- Conducting animal experiments involving chickens and ducks
- Analysing samples derived from animal studies**.**

**Be responsible for working as part of an established team. The work tasks will include (10% time)**:

- Communicating progress and data
- Preparing project reports and manuscripts for publication
- Supervising and training group members**.**

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities, and outcomes required of the role. The job holder 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.

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.

**Personal specification**

Time management, reliability under pressure, decision-making/problem-solving skills, action-oriented, entrepreneurial, agile, ethical/credible, inspiring, creative, influential, collaborative, emotionally intelligent, diplomatic, results-driven, passionate, engaging and recognising.

**Specific requirements**

Essential
- A PhD. or equivalent in the project-related research area of virology or immunology.
- Working experience in the safe handling of high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in the high containment laboratory
- Proven track record in viral reverse genetic and CRISPR-Cas9 techniques for manipulating avian viruses including AIV, NDV, HVT, DEV
- Proven experience in the production and purification of recombinant proteins and antibodies using insect and mammalian expression systems

Desirable
- Evidence of work experience for animal experimental studies involving poultry
- Evidence of project-related publication track record
- Evidence of team working, excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with team members and other scientists

Due to the nature of the work we do, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

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

**What we offer**
- 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 staff restaurant
- Childcare allowance
- Free onsite parking
- Electric Car charging facilities

The Institute is committed to retaining staff employed on fixed term contracts of employment. 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.