Postdoctoral Researcher

**Postdoctoral Researcher - Viral Stress Responses Group**(23P-81)
- **(Fixed Term Contract until March 2028)**_

**The Pirbright Institute**

**Salary: £37,000 - £38,000 per annum**

**Onsite: Woking, GU24**

**About 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.

**About the Viral Stress Responses Research Group**

The successful applicant will be required to manage the research program, working both independently and with other members of the team to deliver high-quality research data. They will also perform key administrative and management duties, reporting directly to the Viral Stress Responses Group Leader.
- **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.**_

**Main duties and responsibilities**:
**Responsible for laboratory research, which will include (70%)**:

- Collect research data focusing on the following three core projects:

- Characterising the composition of virus-induced bio condensates
- Dissecting the role of specific components in host immune function and viral replication
- Defining the impact of viral infection on mitochondrial functions
- Analyse and interpret data.
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
- Decide, in consultation with the principal investigator, how to gather, analyse and interpret the data from the specified research activities in the most appropriate way

**Responsible for lab management, administration and supervision, which will include (15%)**:

- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Give guidance, support and advice to students on research related work including PhD students and decide the most appropriate method of providing this supervision.
- Help develop sustainable research practices.

**Responsible for research dissemination, communication, networking and funding which will include (15%)**:

- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, conferences (national and international) etc.
- In tandem with the principal investigator, contribute to writing research publications and bids for research funding
- Liaise with external collaborators on the research, where appropriate

**Person Specification**
- Results driven.
- Excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to be reliable under pressure.
- Passionate about your research and provide inspiration and creativity to other team members**.**
- Strong decision making/problem solving skills a
- Action-oriented and emotionally intelligent
- Excellent relationships management skills, ethical and credible.

**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.**

**Essential/Desirable requirements**

**Essential**
- A PhD or equivalent in virology, immunology or molecular cell biology (pending or awarded)
- An excellent working knowledge of molecular techniques (qPCR, westerns, transfection, tissue culture and transfection)
- Significant experience in RNA virology and virus-host interactions
- Significant experience i