Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Salary: £38,500-£40,000 per annum
Duration: Fixed Term Contract until 30/06/2027
About the Role
The Pirbright Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join Professor Simon Graham’s research group as part of an international team tackling Nipah virus, a high-priority zoonotic pathogen. This role is funded through the UKRI-Southeast Asia Collaboration on Infectious Diseases and offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics.
About the Project
Titled “DNA-launched Nipah virus vaccines and therapeutics,” this project aims to leverage our innovative DNA-delivery platform to create effective, affordable, and scalable interventions against Nipah virus. Our cutting-edge polymer/peptide nano-formulation technology enables efficient DNA vector delivery, presenting a promising and deployable vaccination and treatment strategy. The project is a collaboration between The Pirbright Institute, the University of Nottingham (UK), and the University of Malaya (Malaysia) and aims to generate the crucial preclinical efficacy data needed for further clinical translation.
Professor Simon Graham will serve as the UK Project Lead and direct line manager for the postholder.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Preclinical Evaluation of DNA-Vectored Therapeutics & Vaccines
- Conduct pharmacokinetic studies on DNA-vectored therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and assess the immunogenicity of DNA-vectored vaccines in mice and pigs.
- Produce and purify key research materials, including recombinant Nipah virus glycoproteins, monoclonal antibodies, and pseudo viruses.
- Coordinate animal studies in collaboration with project partners and contract research organizations, ensuring adherence to study protocols.
- Analyse antibody responses using pseudovirus neutralization assays and ELISA techniques.
- Assess T cell responses through IFN-γ ELISpot assays and flow cytometric analysis.
- Contribute to the development and optimization of novel techniques and methodologies for vaccine response analysis.
Collaborative Research & Project Contributions
- Support the isolation of novel therapeutic monoclonal antibodies from human Nipah virus survivors by providing purified recombinant glycoproteins.
- Present research updates at monthly consortium meetings and collaborate effectively with international research partners.
- Disseminate findings by preparing high-quality, peer-reviewed manuscripts and delivering presentations at scientific conferences.
- Maintain comprehensive health, safety, and biosecurity documentation to ensure a safe research environment.
- Assist in lab management tasks, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and overseeing sample inventories.
Essential/Desirable Requirements
Essential
- A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences
- An excellent record of research productivity, relative to experience
- Experience of recombinant protein and/or monoclonal antibody expression and purification
- Experience in immunology including analysis of antibody responses e.g. ELISAs and virus neutralisation assays and T cell responses e.g., flow cytometry
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
Desirable
- Experience of vaccine/therapeutic antibody R&D
- Experience of working with large animals
- Experience of working with viruses
- Experience of working in international research consortia