Research Assistant in Woking

Contract Length: Fixed-term contract until 30th June 2029. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this role. Candidates must already hold the necessary right to work in the UK.

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.

Organisation position and purpose: The post-holder will be a pivotal member of a research consortium funded by an award from the UK Department for Health and Social Care and Innovate UK. The project titled ‘Duo-ProTectz - A bivalent vaccine to reduce the risk of Nipah virus outbreaks’ aims to further the development of a live attenuated pseudorabies virus (PrV) vaccine expressing Nipah virus (NiV) glycoproteins as a dual-use vaccine to protect pigs against NiV infection and transmission thereby reducing the risk to public health. The vaccine will also reduce the major risk NiV poses to both the nascent developing pig industries, as well as to the livelihoods of poor livestock keepers in low- and middle-income countries. The project also aims to develop a companion diagnostic test to enable the discrimination of infection in vaccinated animals (DIVA) and therefore provide an important new tool to aid the monitoring, control, and elimination of NiV from pig populations reservoirs in South and Southeast Asia. The project is a collaboration between The Pirbright Institute and partners in the UK, USA and Germany. The post-holder will support the delivery of a series of vaccine safety, immunogenicity and efficacy trials. The latter will assess the protection against virulent PrV challenge. The post-holder will also support activities relating to the development of a companion DIVA ELISA, which will involve the production and purification of recombinant NiV nucleoprotein and the evaluation of the developed test. They will additionally produce and supply virus to a project partner to refine the vaccine manufacturing process and associated quality control. Professor Simon Graham leads the consortium and will line manage the post holder.

Main duties and responsibility:

• Responsible for supporting trials evaluating vaccine safety, immunogenicity and efficacy in pigs, which will include:
• Preparation of vaccine and challenge virus stocks, and coordination with external contract research organisation for immunisations, virus challenge, and sample collection.
• Analysis of antibody responses to vaccination by virus and pseudovirus neutralization assays and ELISAs.
• Analysis of T cell responses to vaccination by ELISpot and flow cytometric assays.
• Analysis of virus vaccine safety and efficacy by quantification of PrV shedding.
• Develop new techniques and methods for analysis of vaccine responses, as required.

• Responsible for working as part of a research consortium, which will include:
• Production and provision of materials (purified recombinant NiV proteins, sera, and monoclonal antibodies) to support the development of DIVA ELISA and evaluation of vaccine efficacy against NiV.
• Communicating progress and data at monthly consortium meetings and quarterly monitoring meetings with the funder.
• Disseminate results through contributions to the writing of high-quality peer-reviewed manuscripts and presentations at scientific meetings.
• Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety, and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment.
• Assist with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories).
• Training and supporting, 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 jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager.

Specific requirements:

• A BSc or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences.
• An excellent record of research productivity, relative to experience.
• Experience in immunology including analysis of T cells e.g., flow cytometry, and antibody responses e.g. ELISAs and virus neutralisation assays.
• Experience of working with viruses.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience of vaccine R&D, in an industry or academic setting.
• Experience of working with large animals.
• Experience of recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience of working in a high biocontainment environment.
• 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 per annum, pro rata, plus public and privilege days.
• 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.
• Staff 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. We acknowledge, understand, and embrace diversity, equality and inclusion.