Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Organisation position and purpose
The successful candidate will join the Viral Oncogenesis group at Pirbright Institute and report to the Head of the Group. Our research has focused on investigation of host/virus interactions to unravel the molecular mechanisms of tumour formation by avian oncogenic viruses using state-of-the-art technologies. The purpose of this position is to work on ‘Effects of co-infections on Marek’s disease in poultry and development of novel recombinant Marek’s disease virus vector vaccines’, a collaborative project with industry partners. We are looking for highly motivated virologist to deliver the milestones of the project.
The successful candidate will be required to manage the objectives of the collaborative research project to investigate the prevalence of naturally occurring MDV-2 infection in the field and it's potential use as vaccine vector for developing the recombinant vaccines. Working independently and in liaison with members of the team and other research groups, the position offers the opportunity to become a pivotal member of the team striving to bring innovation through high-impact research. The postholder will also have the prospects of working with the Head of the Group in management duties and supervision of students.
Main duties and responsibility
- The post-holder will carry out research to meet the research project objectives to investigate the effect of co-infections of Marek’s disease serotype 1 and serotype 2 and development of novel recombinant Marek’s disease virus vector vaccines. Be responsible for driving the project, contributing to experimental design and data analysis.
- Assisting in Laboratory management responsibilities (ordering, looking after equipment, maintenance, sample inventories) and animal experiments under the Project Licence managed by the group.
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Contributing to develop new models, techniques and methods.
- Contributing and helping to develop innovative research projects for securing additional funding.
- Generating high impact research publications based on the findings from the research projects.
- Prepare regular brief reports for collaborators and contribute to video conference and in person discussions with collaborators.
- Supporting senior colleagues to enhance the international impact of the Institute by participation in meetings, joint projects and other activities.
- Contributing towards the Knowledge exchange, business development and outreach programmes of the Institute.
- Participate in the operational and academic management activities.
- Interact with other members of the group as well as other groups on wider aspects of research innovations into the control of avian viral diseases.
- Actively participate in Pirbright Laboratory quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following Institute’s policies.