Research Assistant

About the organisation

The Pirbright Institute carries out internationally recognised research focused on understanding, anticipating, detecting, and responding to viral disease outbreaks. Its work covers livestock viruses that affect the UK as well as zoonotic threats, using advanced tools to study how pathogens interact with animal hosts and arthropod vectors. The institute places strong emphasis on animal welfare, the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), and a culture of openness and care.

The organisation has a collaborative and diverse workforce spanning multiple disciplines and backgrounds, all contributing to scientific progress and knowledge sharing through a shared “one institute” approach.

Role overview

This position sits within the Mucosal Immunology group and supports projects funded through Institute Strategic Grants, including backing from the BBSRC, Gates Foundation, and FluLab. The work is centred on developing broadly cross-reactive influenza vaccines intended to protect people, including during a pandemic scenario.

The project involves producing viral-vectored vaccines that express NP+M1 with NA, then evaluating their protection in pigs exposed to influenza through different immunisation routes. The pig model is used to reflect the effects of prior influenza exposure in humans. A major part of the work will be analysing T-cell and B-cell responses across tissues to understand how vaccination route affects protection.

The role also includes participation in related projects that assess whether therapeutics and glycols can reduce transmission. It is suited to virologists and immunologists who want to work in translational research with relevance to both human and animal health. The post will report to the Mucosal Immunology Group Leader.

Key duties

• Prepare virus challenge material and measure viral burden in tissues.
• Carry out mammalian expression of protein antigens.
• Assess T-cell responses after influenza infection or immunisation using methods such as ELISPOT and flow cytometry.
• Measure antibody responses through microneutralisation, ELISA, HAI, epitope mapping, and ADCC assays.
• Support animal studies investigating transmission-blocking properties.
• Share progress and data through internal and external presentations.
• Help prepare manuscripts, milestone review documents, and end-of-programme reports.
• Maintain health, safety, and biosecurity documentation to support a safe working environment.
• Assist with laboratory administration, including ordering, equipment care, and sample inventories.
• Contribute to outreach activities.

Requirements

• A relevant life science qualification at minimum MSc level, such as Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology, or another related scientific discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Prior experience in immunology and/or virology research.
• High attention to detail, especially when handling samples and recording data.
• Desirable experience with flow cytometry and other immunology or molecular biology methods.
• Desirable background working in a laboratory setting.
• Desirable ability to build collaborative relationships and work well in networks.
• Desirable computer literacy, including experience using different software tools and presenting data.

Employment terms

This is a fixed-term, full-time position based onsite in Pirbright, England, United Kingdom. The role is contracted at 37 hours per week. The salary range is £33,500 to £35,000. One contract reference states the fixed term runs until 27 May 2027, while another states 31 July 2027; both dates appear in the source material. The closing date listed is 30 June 2026.

Screening and conditions

Because of the nature of the work, successful candidates must complete a full screening process, including reference checks, qualification verification, and financial and security clearances. The job description notes that duties may change as required by management, and additional reasonable tasks may be assigned.

Benefits

• Group personal pension scheme with life cover, subject to age and earnings.
• 25 days of annual leave per year on a pro-rata basis, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
• Option to buy and sell annual leave.
• Ability to carry over up to two weeks of leave.
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym.
• Membership of the Pirbright social club.
• Employee discount access through the lifestyle hub.
• Cycle-to-work support.
• Subsidised staff restaurant.
• Childcare allowance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Electric vehicle charging facilities.