Microscopist

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.