Research Technician

Contract length: FTC until 30/09/2025

Salary: £31,000 - £32,500

About the Role

The Research Technician is a key role within the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Pirbright Livestock Antibody Hub. The Hub exploits the recent advances in our understanding of B-cell responses to better determine the protective immune response in livestock and humans. A key component of our work is to enable antibody discovery, manipulation and testing in cattle, pigs and poultry. We will address the needs of the research community and support rational vaccinology approaches, antibody-based treatment and prophylaxis as well as increasing the applicability of animals as models for human disease and treatment.

An important objective of the Hub is to improve our understanding of antibody Fc and Fc-receptor functions. The successful candidate will characterise the distribution of porcine and bovine Fc receptors and determine their interactions with individual antibody (sub)classes. They will use molecular approaches to isolate broadly protective influenza antibodies and evaluate their functions, therapeutic potential and ability to block transmission.

The Research Technician will work as part of a large multidisciplinary team to advance the aims of the Pirbright Livestock Antibody Hub. This represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a One Health research project and is suitable for virologists and/or immunologists with a keen interest in translational research for human and animal health. The post-holder will report to the senior postdoctoral scientist leading this work with additional supervision from other members of the Antibody Hub and Mucosal Immunology group.

All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following policies and all employees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Responsible for conducting research into transmission, evolution and immunity to swine influenza viruses:
• Determine the affinity of antibody binding to porcine and bovine Fc receptors using biolayer interferometry.
• Characterize distribution of Fc receptors on porcine and bovine immune cell subsets.
• Isolation, cloning and recombinant expression of influenza specific monoclonal antibodies.
• Analysis of B and T cell responses after influenza infection.
• Mammalian expression of protein antigens.
• Contribute to animal studies to evaluate protective properties of individual antibodies.

Responsible for working as part of a research team, which will include:

• Communicating progress and data, including presentations at internal and external meetings
• Preparation of manuscripts for peer-review, stage-based milestone reviews and end of programme assessments
• Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment.
• Assist with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories)
• Perform outreach duties.

Essential/Desirable Requirements

Essential

• Relevant Life science degree as a minimum (MSc, Master or higher) in Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology or other science related field
• Evidence of good oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively within a team
• Previous experience in immunology and/or virology research
• Proficiency in biolayer interferometry
• Must be able to give meticulous attention to detail including the management of samples and recording of data

Desirable

• Experience of flow cytometry and other immunological or molecular biology techniques
• Experience of working in a laboratory environment
• Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs and experience in data presentation

All successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

All overseas applicants are encouraged to consider applying for the position as this position has potential for VISA sponsorship by the Institute.

More Information & Apply Here