Postdoctoral Scientist- Biology

The post-holder will be a pivotal member of a research consortium funded by an award from the UK Research and Innovation’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. mRNA is a versatile vaccine platform to deliver antigens and elicit potent immune responses. While mRNA vaccines will undoubtedly play a prominent role as a human vaccine modality in the future, it remains to be determined for livestock species. Optimising an mRNA vaccine platform for livestock, demonstrating its potential across both livestock species and pathogen types, is the focus of this project.

The postholder will be responsible for executing the experimental activities relating to (i) optimising RNA vector design to enhance stability and target antigen expression, reduce cytotoxicity, and remove the need for capping through optimizing UTR sequences, codon usage and RNA structures, and (ii) evaluating the immunogenicity and efficacy of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulated mRNA in cattle, pigs and chickens; as well as supporting activities relating to RNA manufacturing and analytics. Prof Simon Graham leads the consortium and will line‑manage the post holder.

Main duties and responsibility

• Responsible for the design of vaccine candidate antigens and their evaluation of LNP formulated mRNA vectors in target animal species (cattle, pigs and chickens), which will include:
• Engineering mRNA vectors for enhanced stability and target antigen expression through exploring RNA structure and UTR modifications impact.
• Assessing overexpression of vectors on cellular stress responses and RNA metabolism.
• Characterising antigen expression from naked and LNP formulated mRNA vectors in cells from target species.
• Evaluating and comparing the immunogenicity of LNP‑mRNA vaccine candidates across target species.
• Demonstrating the efficacy of lead LNP‑mRNA vaccine candidates in cattle (BTV), pigs (IAV and PRRSV) and chickens (IAV).
• Responsible for working as part of a research consortium, which will include:
• Production and provision of vaccines and viruses to support studies at partner institutions.
• Communicating progress and data at monthly and annual consortium meetings and contributing to funder reports.
• Disseminating results through writing high‑quality peer‑reviewed manuscripts and presenting at scientific meetings.
• Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety, and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment.
• Assisting with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories).
• Training and supervising a Research Assistant, and as appropriate, other group members, students and visitors.

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.

Specific requirements

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences.
• An excellent record of research productivity, relative to experience.
• Experience in RNA biology and gene expression regulation.
• Experience of cellular and molecular biology approaches.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in immunology including analysis of T cells (e.g., flow cytometry) and antibody responses (e.g., ELISAs and virus neutralisation assays).
• Experience of vaccine R&D, in an industry or academic setting.
• Experience of working with viruses.
• Experience of working in research consortia.

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 plus public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with long service.
• Enhanced Maternity package.
• Buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
• Pirbright gym with 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. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change to carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by the line manager and may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing need of The Pirbright Institute.