Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Salary: £38,500-£40,000 per annum
Tenure: 24 Month Fixed Term Contract
Onsite: Woking, GU24
About the Role
The Pirbright Institue is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join a collaborative project between The Pirbright Institute and The Moredun Research Institute, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The project aims to develop novel vaccines against Haemonchus contortus, a major parasitic threat to small ruminants worldwide, which has a significant economic impact on global livestock industries. The primary objective is to generate a library of functionally-relevant sheep monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against H. contortus to inform vaccine development and selection.
The Postdoctoral Scientist will work within the Immunogenetics and Immunological Toolbox Groups, applying cutting-edge antibody discovery techniques, including single-cell antibody sequencing, spectral flow cytometry, and high-throughput antibody expression systems. The role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to vaccine research by characterising H. contortus-specific mAbs and advancing our understanding of host-parasite interactions.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Designing, Performing, and Analysing Experiments (80%)
- Design and execute experiments to isolate H. contortus (H-gal-GP complex antigen) specific mAbs from sheep using single B cell discovery technologies. (30%)
- Recombinant expression and purification of sheep monoclonal antibodies (IgGs isotypes) using a mammalian expression system. (20%)
- Develop assays to characterise antibody binding and function. (20%)
- Analyse experimental data using appropriate statistical and analytical tools. (10%)
Responsible for the laboratory activities of the Immunological Toolbox, which will include (20%):
- Provide support to other members of the team as required, including assisting with their experiments and projects. (10%)
- Train and supervise colleagues across other groups on experimental techniques and procedures offered by Immunological Toolbox. (5%)
- Participate in lab management including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and adherence to safety protocols. (5%)
Research Communication and Collaboration
- Communicate research progress and findings through regular team meetings and reports.
- Prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and biosecurity regulations to maintain a safe and effective working environment.
Contributing to the Wider Research Community
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within The Pirbright Institute and with external partners.
- Serve on relevant committees and participate in outreach and public engagement activities.
- Support the broader scientific mission of the Institute by contributing to strategic research initiatives and funding proposals.
Essential/Desirable Requirements
Essential
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in immunology, molecular biology, or a related bioscience field.
- A broad understanding of immunology and antigen receptors.
- Proficiency in designing assays with a keen attention to detail, ensuring the inclusion of appropriate controls to validate experimental results.
- Strong background in antibody biology, B cell immunology, and antigen recognition.
- Hands-on experience with antibody discovery techniques, including flow cytometry and molecular cloning.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a record of productive scientific collaboration
Desirable
- Experience in recombinant antibody production and high-throughput expression systems.
- Knowledge of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques for antibody discovery.
- Expertise in functional assays, including ELISA, ELISpot, ADCC, and ADCP.
- A strong publication record in immunology, molecular biology, or related disciplines.