Senior Cell Culture Scientist
Salary: £47,000 - £48,500
Organisation Position and Purpose
The Cell Culture department is one of the Science Technology Platforms (STP) at Pirbright Institute. The STPs offer scientists access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, comprehensive training and expert support. These resources enable researchers to pursue cutting-edge projects and prepare strong funding applications.
The Senior Cell Culture Scientist plays a pivotal role within the team, combining scientific leadership and expertise with managerial responsibilities. They will lead efforts to develop novel primary cell culture and organoid models, providing high-quality scientific support to Pirbright researchers. Although the role is focused on STP-driven objectives, it offers opportunities for personal scientific advancements in in vitro models.
Cell Culture staff work to ISO9001 standards and supply cell culture products to ISO17025 accredited laboratories as well as to researchers. The Cell Culture STP is also responsible for the maintainance and quality control of frozen master and working banks of over 200 different cell lines and for the preparation of primary cells from animal tissues. Although currently not undertaken, the role may involve working inside our SAPO4 high containment facility.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsible for developing primary cell cultures from different livestock species, which will include:
- Forging close collaborations with Institute Group Leaders and Fellows to identify cell culture needs for ongoing and future research projects.
- Develop primary cell culture and organoid models from different organs and tissues of livestock species that will be beneficial to multiple science groups and areas of research conducted at the Institute.
Responsible for overseeing the operations of the Cell Culture STP, which will include:
- Ensure smooth operation and timely completion of Cell Culture projects together with the team.
- Work closely with an experienced Cell Culture Scientist. · Monitor and align Cell Culture activities to Pirbright’s Science Strategy.
- Represent Cell Culture in regular meetings with other STP leads and contribute to the ongoing development of Pirbright STP services and technologies.
- Showcase Cell Culture capabilities and achievements in internal and external science meetings/ seminars.
- Publish novel protocols or findings in appropriate peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to grant applications.
- Where required, perform daily activities within the department including maintenance of secondary/continuous cell lines and preparation of primary cultures.
Essential/Desirable Requirements
Essential
- A PhD in a relevant branch of biosciences.
- Extensive experience in cell culture processes (both primary and continuous cell lines).
- Documented experience of developing and maintaining primary 3D cultures, including at least one of the following: 3D cultures, Organoids/ spheroids, Organ-on-a-chip
- Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships.
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with team members, fellow scientists, and funding bodies.
- Evidence of line-management experience and strategic vision.
Desirable
- Experience of managing large collections of cell stocks.
- Experience in cell immortalisation techniques.
- Experience of authenticating human or animal cell lines.
- Sound knowledge of contaminants present in cell cultures and preventative approaches.
- Background knowledge of viral diseases in livestock.