Postdoctoral Scientist

The salary is £36,033 depending on qualifications and experience. Funding until 31st March 2018.

The Pirbright Institute, an institute of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), is a unique national centre that works through its highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience to enhance the UK capability to contain, control, and eliminate viral diseases of animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. We thereby support the competitiveness of UK livestock and poultry producers, and improve the health and quality of life of both animals and people.

The Pirbright Institute is currently situated on two campuses, Pirbright Laboratory in Surrey and Compton Laboratory in Berkshire. The process of transferring Compton Laboratory activities to Pirbright is underway. This post is based at Pirbright.

The Pirbright Institute (TPI) is a world leader in research on infectious diseases of livestock with a strong track record in translating this research into more effective disease control. An indefinite postdoctoral position with initial funding for 3 years is available within the Immunogenetics Group led by Dr John Hammond. This group studies the impact of livestock genetic variation on the immune responses to viral infection. The ultimate aim is to increase vaccine efficacy and improve disease resistance.

This position is for a bioinformatician with experience in sequence assembly. As part of a multidisciplinary team, which includes other bioinformaticians at the United States Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Research Service in Maryland, they will be the UK lead in the sequencing, assembly, annotation and analysis of variable genomic regions in cattle using Pacific Biosystems and Illumina technology. This data will then be used to develop and validate SNP panels for genotyping and genome wide association studies for disease traits. Previous experience in this or a closely aligned discipline is desired and the ability to communicate and collaborate at a high level will be essential from the start of the project.

Main duties and responsibilities

The post holder will be required to coordinate and conduct their research in an independent but collaborative manner within an active research team and contribute to the wider activities of the Group.  The post holder will be expected to report on their science internally, through reports and presentations; to a wider team at regular progress meetings; to present their results at scientific meetings and prepare high quality manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. They will also be expected to initiate and help prepare funding support applications for novel areas of work.

Responsible for helping to design, execute and analyse sequencing experiments which will include:

  • Assemble Pacific Biosystems and Illumina sequencing datasets
  • Help develop novel analysis pipelines as necessary
  • Genomic annotation
  • Perform SNP discovery and SNP validation experiments
  • Assist in genome wide association studies using SNP panels
  • Assist in the day to day running of the research group
  • Coordinate research activities with collaborators

Responsible for analysing and presenting data, which will include:

  • Present data internally
  • Present data at national and international conferences as appropriate
  • Maintain records and databases of results
  • Prepare results for publication                                                                            

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Human Resources Division and The Pirbright Institute.

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.

Qualifications and Experience       

  • Significant and relevant experience in a recognised R&D environment A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences                  
  • Experience of manuscript publication in peer reviewed journals
  • Competent working in a Linux environment         Experience analysing massively parallel sequencing datasets         
  • The ability to develop, troubleshoot and optimize bioinformatic methodologies/pipelines     Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs and experience in data presentation and statistical analyses                     Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills                        
  • Reliability under pressure Decision making and problem solving skills         Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative       Ability to organise groups of people and set up meetings between collaborators Capacity to travel within UK and internationally

The Institute is engaged in Research work on a number of virus diseases of livestock, several of which are highly infectious to livestock, compliance with the Disease Security Regulations is an essential requirement of employment. Where disease agents of birds and other domestic animals are being studied specific restrictions to contact with these species may apply off site/ at home. Such restrictions will be applied on a case by case basis subject to on the individual’s work portfolio and access to relevant facility areas. In case of poultry and horses it may require 3-5 days of no contact after handling/having contact with these pathogens and materials potentially carrying these agents.

For those applicants where English is not their first language, please note that the successful applicant must be able to prove their ability to communicate in English. The required standard for the Pirbright Institute has been set as an overall mark of 7.0 in the IELTS qualification (with no lower than 7.0 for listening and reading, no lower than 6.5 for speaking and no lower than 6.0 for writing) or the equivalent in an alternative qualification

BENEFITS OF THE POST 

The post is graded at a Band E and is an indefinite contract with funding until 31st March 2018.  The salary is £36,033 depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full Time role with a 37 hour week, Monday to Friday.

On appointment, you are eligible to join the Research Council’s Pension Scheme.  You have the choice of either:

  • An attractive, career average, defined benefit pension scheme. The bulk of the cost of this scheme is met by the employer: or
  • A partnership pension with a contribution from the employer.  Our basic contribution is based on your age, and we pay this regardless of whether you choose to contribute anything.  You do not have to contribute if you do not wish to but, if you do, we will also match your contributions up to an additional 3% of pay.

You will be entitled to receive a Pirbright Living Allowance of £3,000 per annum. Please note this allowance is pensionable but not reckonable for annual pay award or promotion and is a discretionary payment which can be withdrawn or reduced by management. Any offer of employment will be subject to security screening, health clearance and receipt of satisfactory references.

Annual leave is 30 days on appointment plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays.  The Institute has a subsidised child care scheme, staff restaurant and free parking.