Postdoctoral Scientist – (24P-37)
The Pirbright Institute
Salary: £38,500 - £40,000 per annum
Fixed-Term Contract
Onsite: Woking, GU24
Application Closing Date: 03/10/2024
About The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect, and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.
Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.
Organisation position and purpose
A two-year funded Postdoctoral position is available in the Vesicular Disease Reference Laboratory (VDRL) group, which hosts the FAO World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (WRLFMD, www.wrlfmd.rg). Work within the VDRL/WRLFMD develops new technologies that can be used to accurately detect and monitor FMD outbreaks when they occur in the field and undertaking genomic testing of samples that are collected from across the globe on behalf of international organisations such as the FAO, WOAH, and the EU. This data is used to highlight emerging FMDV threats, monitor the global patterns of disease distribution and inform selection of appropriate vaccines for use against field outbreaks.
Main duties and responsibilities:
This postdoctoral scientist post will support the research aims of the VDRL and the WRLFMD, through a combination of independent work, collaboration with scientists in the group, and further by interacting with the wider FMD research community. By applying modern computational methods for molecular evolution, population genetics and phylodynamics, the successful candidate will advance our understanding of the epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of FMDV at regional and global scales.
Data analysis of FMDV sequence (45%), which will include:
- Contributing to hypothesis development, data evaluation and analyses of different sets of FMDV genomic data.
- Applying appropriate biostatistics and modelling methods for the analysis, integration, and visualization of FMDV sequence data.
- Investigating the evolution and transmission dynamics of different FMD viral lineages at different epidemiological levels.
- Continual assessment of emerging techniques and analysis tools in molecular epidemiology and computational biology to leverage the most appropriate and up-to-date methods.
Contributing to the work of the VDRL and the WRLFMD (40%), which will include:
- Providing bioinformatics and computational analysis support across the VDRL/WRLFMD group.
- Development of tools and methods for sequence data analysis.
- Generating peer-reviewed publications and reports, including as lead author, and presentations at international conferences.
Wider contributing to the work of the VDRL and the WRLFMD (15%), which will include:
- Establishing and maintaining collaborations and working relationships with both internal and external researchers.
- Participate in group meetings to update on project progression, communicate and describe scientific outputs and discuss the future direction of research with other members of the VDRL/WRLFMD.
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 Pirbright Institute.
Personal Specification
We seek an individual who is ambitious, self-motivated, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists. The right candidate would be passionate to learn new tools and techniques, and able to multi-task and appropriately prioritise work assignments. This position will suit an experienced researcher who has completed at least one postdoctoral position with a desire to advance a career in computational biology.
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
- A PhD or equivalent in molecular epidemiology, bioinformatics, computational biology, genetics, data science or related field.
- A publication records commensurate with career stage.
- At least 3 years’ professional experience in the management, processing, and computational analysis of large sequence-based datasets, ideally related to infectious diseases.
- Expertise in working in R, Python and Linux/Unix environment, with demonstrable skill in using programming languages to curate and transform complex primary data, perform analyses including integrating genomics and epidemiological data, and the ability to interpret results appropriately.
- Ability to generate and customise common and specialised data visualisations.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with team members and other scientists.
Desirable
- Expertise in genomics and pathogen evolution, with applied experience in contextualised phylogenetic/phylodynamic analysis of complex datasets.
- Understanding of technological computational requirements related to setup and implementation of bioinformatics pipelines, including hardware specifications, software and applications and integrated solutions for remote data access and analysis.
- Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships.
Due to the nature of the work, all successful applicants will be required to complete comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.
What we offer
- Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
- Buy and sell annual leave.
- Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
- Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
- Pirbright social club.
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
- Cycle to work.
- Subsidised employee restaurant.
- Childcare allowance.
- Free onsite parking.
- Electric car charging facilities.
Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on [email protected] for an update.
We acknowledge, understand, and embrace diversity, equality, and inclusion.