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- Tasks: Join us as a Microscopist to conduct cutting-edge microscopy experiments and support research projects.
- Company: The Pirbright Institute is a leader in viral disease research, focusing on livestock and zoonotic viruses.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, gym access, childcare allowance, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing science and making a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: You need a BSc in biological sciences and experience in transmission electron microscopy.
- Other info: This role offers opportunities for collaboration with the Diamond Lightsource and advanced microscopy techniques.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 40000 £ per year.
Microscopist – (24P-91)
The Pirbright Institute
Salary: £38,500 – £40,000 per annum
Fixed-Term Contract – 16/02/2027
Onsite: Woking, GU24
Application Closing Date: 07/02/2025
Please send your CV alongside a Cover Letter to jobs@pirbright.ac.uk
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.
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.
Organisation position and purpose
This post will support the Bioimaging Science Technology Platform (STP) to advance the objectives of the Institute Strategic Programme, specifically to drive development of advanced electron microscopy projects. The post holder will collaborate with research scientists on current projects and play a role in initiating new projects. The post holder will carry out sample preparation, imaging and data analysis and interpretation.
Working with other members of the Bioimaging team, the post holder will train and support new and current instrument users, troubleshoot equipment and experimental design plus maintain equipment. Additionally, The Pirbright Institute has a strategic link with the electron Bio-Imaging Centre (eBIC), Diamond Lightsource, and the opportunity may develop for the post holder to access their facilities to further this collaboration. The post will be line managed by the Head of Bioimaging.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Responsible for performing microscopy experiments, which will include:
- Sample preparation for electron microscopy including high pressure freezing and ultramicrotomy.
- Use of transmission electron microscopes for image acquisition, including correlative light and electron microscopy and electron tomography.
- Image analysis and interpretation.
- Segmentation and modelling of electron tomography datasets.
- Working with scientists to establish or develop new microscopy techniques, as required.
- Presenting image data to scientists within the Institute.
Responsible for assisting Bioimaging users, which will include:
- Liaising with scientists wishing to use the Bioimaging facility to discuss plans and requirements.
- Training a diverse array of users in safe and effective use of equipment and methodology.
- Providing advice to users in experimental design, sample preparation and data interpretation.
Responsible for laboratory management duties as a member of the Bioimaging team, which will include:
- Ensuring the Bioimaging laboratory and equipment are maintained (including troubleshooting).
- Reviewing and ordering laboratory consumables.
- Hosting external microscope engineers.
- Writing and maintaining methods, risk assessments and SOPs.
- Being a member of the Bioimaging Steering Group.
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 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.
Personal Specification
- Good time management
- Reliability under pressure
- Collaborative attitude
- Diplomatic
- Passionate and engaging
- Tenacity
- Agile
- Manual dexterity
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
- Minimum BSc (Hons) in a biological sciences subject or equivalent experience.
- Significant experience in transmission electron microscopy techniques including sample preparation and ultramicrotomy.
- Experience of working in the field of cell biology and/or virology.
- Evidence of excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people.
- Evidence of high attention to detail and the ability to plan work effectively.
- Evidence of ability to work with minimal supervision.
Desirable
- Experience of advanced electron microscopy techniques e.g. CLEM, electron tomography.
- Experience of confocal microscopy techniques.
- Experience of working in a biological containment environment.
- Experience of cell culture and/or molecular virology techniques.
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 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 employee restaurant.
- Childcare allowance.
- Free onsite parking.
- Electric car charging facilities.
Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.
Microscopist employer: The Pirbright Institute
Contact Detail:
The Pirbright Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Microscopist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in electron microscopy techniques, especially those mentioned in the job description like CLEM and electron tomography. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of bioimaging and virology. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet researchers from The Pirbright Institute or similar organizations. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience with sample preparation and imaging techniques in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on, challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your collaborative attitude and communication skills during any interactions with the hiring team. Since the role involves training users and working closely with scientists, demonstrating your ability to work well in a team will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Microscopist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customize your cover letter for the Microscopist position at The Pirbright Institute. Highlight your relevant experience in transmission electron microscopy and your passion for virology and cell biology.
Showcase Your Skills: In your CV, emphasize your significant experience with sample preparation and ultramicrotomy. Include any advanced microscopy techniques you are familiar with, such as CLEM or electron tomography.
Demonstrate Communication Abilities: Provide examples in your application that showcase your excellent communication skills. Mention experiences where you effectively collaborated with diverse teams or trained others in laboratory techniques.
Highlight Attention to Detail: Illustrate your high attention to detail in your application. Discuss specific instances where your meticulous planning and execution led to successful outcomes in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pirbright Institute
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with transmission electron microscopy techniques in detail. Highlight specific projects where you successfully performed sample preparation and imaging, as well as any advanced techniques you've used.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with research scientists, share examples of how you've effectively collaborated in past projects. Emphasize your ability to communicate complex information clearly to a diverse audience.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to troubleshooting equipment and experimental design. Think about challenges you've faced in the lab and how you resolved them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and reliability under pressure.
✨Express Your Passion for Science
Convey your enthusiasm for virology and cell biology during the interview. Discuss any relevant research or projects that have inspired you, and how you see yourself contributing to the mission of The Pirbright Institute.
