Research Scientist

Research Scientist– (24P-055)

The Pirbright Institute

Salary: £38,500 - £40,000 per annum

Fixed-Term Contract – 1/12/2024 – 30/11/2026

Onsite: Woking, GU24

Application Closing Date: 26/09/2024

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 position is part of a BBSRC Follow on Fund project to apply innovative technologies for improved control of a major avian pathogen, the gammacoronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). IBV is currently controlled via live attenuated vaccines that are generated through the serial passage of a virulent field isolate through embryonated hens’ eggs, typically 80 to 100 times. The molecular basis underlying attenuation is poorly understood and unpredictable. A fine balance must be achieved between attenuation and the retention of immunogenicity and vaccines produced in this manner present of risk of reversion to virulence. The process is time consuming and combined by the fact that vaccines are poorly cross protective means the current process of vaccine development is poorly reactive to emerging IBV strains/variants. The control of IBV continues to be and furthermore is of increasing importance as poultry is a vitally important food source, with about 44 billion chickens produced worldwide every year. Diseases caused by IBV represent a huge threat to food security and the economy – it is estimated that every 10% reduction in IBV would be worth around £654 million to the global poultry industry. This underscores the need for innovative new ways to combat the disease effectively.

The coronavirus group has applied reverse genetics to elucidate pathogenic determinants within the IBV genome with the aim to generating rationally attenuated recombinant IBVs that can act as live attenuated vaccines. The project will build on our previous research that has identified mutations with non-structural proteins (NSPS) that can attenuate the IBV strain M41. The residues we have targeted are conserved across the many circulating IBV strains and therefore may offer a methodology of universal attenuation. This project aims to assess this by investigating the pathogenicity and protective ability of rIBVs based on either the M41 or D388 IBV strains with mutations to the ns. The applicant will play a pivotal role in the utilising tissue culture, organ cultures, virology techniques and molecular virology techniques including reverse genetics to generate and characterise vaccine candidates both in vitro and in vivo. Next Generation Sequencing will be used to investigate possible reversions. The post-holder will report to the Head of the Coronavirus Group.

Suggested reading:

Keep S et al (2022). Identification of amino acids within non-structural proteins 10 and 14 of the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus that result in attenuation in vivo and in ovo. Journal of Virology doi.org/10.1128/jvi.02059-21.

Keep S et al (2022). A Temperature-Sensitive Recombinant of Avian Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus Provides Complete Protection against Homologous Challenge. (2022) Journal of Virology doi: 10.1128/jvi.01100-22.

V’kovski et al (2021). Coronavirus biology and replication: implications for SARS-CoV-2. doi.org/10.1038/s41579-020-00468-6.

Jordan, B. (2017). Vaccination against Infectious Bronchitis virus: A continuous challenge. Veterinary Microbiology. doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.01.002

Personal Competencies

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, collaborative, intellectually engaged and results oriented. The successful applicant will have strong time management skills and decision-making and problem-solving skills, and adaptability in adjusting to changing priorities.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

Significant relevant laboratory bench experience in a recognised R&D environment, especially in infectious disease.

• An achievement records commensurate to the applicant’s career.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively within a team, and with collaborators.
• Experience in virological, molecular biological, and cell and tissue culture techniques.

Desirable

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences.
• Experience of working with animals in a research environment.
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs and experience in data presentation and statistical analyses.
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships.
• Evidence of experience and vision to carry out scientific research in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Experience in working with IBV and/or coronavirus reverse genetics.
• Experience in preparing and working with ex vivo organ cultures.

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.

Main duties and responsibilities

Responsible for tissue culture, which will include:

Preparation of ex vivo organ cultures from chickens.

Cell and tissue culture.

Preparation of cell culture media and reagents.

Responsible for molecular virology, which will include:

Growth, titration, and characterisation of virus stocks.

Sequencing analysis.

Analysis of host responses to infection or quantification of virus Titres by qPCR.

Reverse genetics of coronaviruses.

Virus neutralisation assays.

Experimental design and statistical data analysis.

Responsible for in vivo experiments, which will include:

Organization of in vivo experiments and liaising with animal services.

Assessment of clinical signs.

RNA extractions from harvested tissues.

Assessment of viral load from harvested tissues.

Responsible for working as part of an established team, which will include:

Communicating progress and data to project partners, including presentations at internal and external meetings.

Disseminate results through writing high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting at scientific meetings.

Assist with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories).

Contribute to the overall research group:

Take responsibility with others for the daily housekeeping of the laboratory.

Take responsibility with others for ensuring that work in the laboratory is conducted safely and in accordance with local health and safety policies.

Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety, and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment.

Performing a range of outreach activities.

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. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.

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.