23p-39 Roving Researcher

**Organisation position and purpose**

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a wide range of laboratory skills and work with outstanding group leaders, researchers and colleagues across the Pirbright Institute. While applicants should be able to demonstrate high levels of laboratory competency, training in specific lab techniques will be available. The post holder will be expected to support, but not to fully replace a researcher on leave. Contribution to research projects will be recognised in any resulting publications or Intellectual Property.

The Roving Researcher position is currently a fixed term appointment for three years. The success of the initiative at Pirbright will be reviewed, and there may be potential to extend the positions depending on the outcome of that review. Applications from those seeking to work part-time are welcome.

**Main duties and responsibility**
- Work with researcher on leave (as appropriate) and group leader to agree experimental plan
- Implement and deliver experimental plan using a variety of laboratory techniques (training provided as necessary)
- Interpretation and analysis of experimental data
- Presentation of results at internal meetings, seminars and/or to external stakeholders
- Contribute to or lead scientific publications
- Supervise and work closely with the roving research assistant to deliver a variety of projects
- Work in both Low and high containment laboratories
- Contribute to the quality and health and safety culture of the Pirbright Institute

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

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 e_mployees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management.

**Personal specification**

**Specific requirements**

Essential
- PhD with 3-years laboratory experience in a relevant biological discipline
- Ability to plan, execute and record scientific studies
- A demonstrated interest in virology
- Expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques
- Demonstrated experience handling a diverse lab workload, with an ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects concurrently
- Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a flexible and adaptable approach
- A publication track record commensurate with experience

Desirable
- Supervisory/Line management experience
- Evidence of leading scientific reports, publications and/or presenting data
- Awareness and understanding of the benefits of an equal, diverse and inclusive workplace

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.