Postdoctoral Research Scientist
About the Role
The T-cell Biology group investigates immune responses following infection and immunisation in various livestock species, with a primary focus on pigs. The analyses cover both lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues and employ state-of-the-art technologies, including high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics. The group studies cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.
The postdoctoral scientist will contribute to the group’s research activities within Pirbright’s Institute Strategic Science Programme. The role includes supervisory responsibilities for students and offers the opportunity to develop an independent research portfolio. The job holder will report directly to, and work closely with, Group Leader Dr Wilhelm Gerner. There will also be strong collaboration with other scientists involved in the Institute Strategic Science Programme.
Main Duties and Responsibility
- Responsible for supporting the Institute’s Strategic Science Programme (ISSP), which will include:
- Conduct research contributing to the T-cell Biology group’s work within the Institute Strategic Science Programme (ISSP)
- Contribute to the supervision of students within the group
- Draft and write scientific reports and manuscripts
- Participate in sample collection during post-mortems of livestock
- Present research findings in internal meetings and at national and international conferences
- Assist with laboratory management, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and managing sample inventories
- Serve on committees, steering groups, and other relevant meetings as appropriate
- Ensure that all laboratory work is conducted safely and in accordance with local health and safety policies
- Develop and maintain documentation related to health, safety, and biosecurity to support a safe working environment
- Engage in outreach activities as appropriate
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.
Specific Requirements
Essential
- A PhD in a relevant branch of the biosciences
- Strong knowledge of basic immunology and immunological concepts
- Documented experience in multi-colour flow cytometry
- Documented experience in immunofluorescence imaging
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
Desirable
- Experience with basic molecular biology techniques
- Experience in performing single cell RNA-sequencing experiments
- Experience in performing spatial transcriptomics experiments
- Experience in conducting animal experiments with livestock
- Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships