Postdoctoral Research Associate
Closes: 21 November 2025
Location: Pirbright Institute. Woking, UK
Salary: £40,000 - £42,500
Hours: 37
Employment Type: Fixed Term/ Full Time
About the Role:
The Pirbright Institute is seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join the Mucosal Immunology Group at contributing to a transformative research programme supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and BBSRC Institute Strategic Programme Grants.
This post offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering One Health research initiative focused on interrupting the transmission of respiratory viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses, which remain major public health challenges despite the availability of current vaccines and antivirals. The work will utilise the pig as a large, natural host animal model due to its close physiological, anatomical, immunological, and genetic similarities to humans. Pigs not only serve as natural hosts for influenza viruses highly similar to those in humans, but their lung structure and antibody responses also provide a highly relevant platform for translational research.
The postholder will investigate the potential of mRNA-encoded antibodies, interferons, and other innate immune stimulators administered to the respiratory tract to prevent infection and interrupt transmission. This will include evaluating their capacity to reduce viral shedding, limit lung pathology, and disease severity. A central element of the project involves comparing different delivery strategies to determine which offer the most effective expression and protection in vivo. The role will also involve the analysis of immune responses following immunisation with candidate broadly protective influenza vaccines in collaboration with the University of Oxford.
To achieve these objectives, the postholder will apply a broad range of immunological and virological techniques, including ELISA, FACS analysis, ELISPOT micro-neutralisation assays, virus propagation and others. These methods will be integral to assessing both the immune response and therapeutic efficacy of novel interventions.
This position represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to translational, interdisciplinary research with real-world impact on vaccine and therapeutic development in both human and veterinary medicine. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of the Mucosal Immunology Group and will maintain close communication with collaborators within the BMGF network.