Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Immunogenetics
Post ref: IRC56887 (5-year funding)
Post ref: IRC56888 (3-year funding)
£26,610 - £29,566 depending on qualifications and experience.
The Institute for Animal Health (IAH) is one of five research institutes of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and is at the forefront of research into animal diseases.
The 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 will be based at Pirbright, with some travel to Compton likely until the science transfer is complete.
Dr John Hammond has received BBSRC funding to study the role of NK cells in the cattle immune response. The ultimate aim of this project is to determine how genetic variation of cattle natural killer (NK) cell receptors influences their function. This project will determine the extent of cattle NK cell receptor variation, identify the ligands for these variable receptors and determine how different receptor/ligand genotypes influence NK cell function during viral infection. These posts form part of the Immunogenetics Group and report directly to Dr John Hammond.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidates 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 Immunogenetics 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. You will also be expected to initiate and help prepare funding support applications for novel areas of work.
In addition, you will be required to
· Enrich, sequence and assemble regions of the cattle genome
· Design and undertake massively parallel sequencing projects
· Analyse large sequence datasets
· Cell culture
· Produce stably expressing cell lines
· Develop and perform in vitro cellular assays
· Assist in the day to day running of the laboratory
· Present data at national and international conferences as appropriate
· Maintain databases of results and reagents
· Prepare results for publication
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences is essential. In addition, you must possess a good range of molecular biology skills, including PCR, cloning and Sanger sequencing. Experience of analysing sequence datasets and cell culture will be essential. Candidates with the ability to apply new techniques and to investigate and resolve problems in a logical manner will be of great interest. It should be noted that some national and international travel would be required.
The 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 Institute for Animal Health.
The Institute is engaged in Research work on a number of virus diseases of live stock, several of which, in particular foot-and-mouth disease, are highly infectious to livestock, therefore compliance with the Disease Security Regulations is an essential requirement of employment.
The Employee must not live on any premises where any cloven hoofed animals are kept, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or deer, and must not visit any premises where such animals are kept within three days of entering the restricted area of the laboratory, or within five days of entering the restricted animal accommodation.
HOW TO APPLY
It is IAH policy to use an online application form, please ensure that you complete an application form, as CVs will not be accepted as a standalone.
SSC/ORACLE RECRUITMENT
Recruitment for vacancies within the Institute for Animal Health is managed on our behalf by the RCUK Shared Services Ltd. To view or apply for this vacancy please visit the RCUK Shared Services recruitment portal, where an application form and further details can be found by clicking on the 'Apply Now' button (job reference IRC56887 or IRC 56888).
If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact the Research Council Shared Service Centre by telephone on 01793 867003.
BENEFITS OF THE POST
The posts are graded at a Band D. Job reference IRC 56887 is an Open ended (indefinite) contract with funding for five years. Job reference IRC 56888 is an Open ended (indefinite) contract with funding for three years.
Starting salary is £26,610 - £29,566 depending on qualifications and experience. 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.
Annual leave is 27 days on appointment plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays. The Institute has a subsidised child care scheme, staff restaurant and free parking. Full Time staff work a 37 hour week, Monday to Thursday 8:45 – 17:15 and Friday 8:30 – 16:30.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Any offer of employment will be subject to security screening, health clearance and references.
Closing date: 2nd July 2012