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. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.
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
The post-holder will be a pivotal member of a research consortium funded by an award from the UK Research and Innovation’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
mRNA is a versatile vaccine platform to deliver antigens and elicit potent immune responses. Whilst mRNA vaccines will undoubtably play a prominent role as a human vaccine modality in the future, this remains to be determined for livestock species, with the ability to produce RNA vaccines at an appropriate cost presenting a significant challenge. Therefore, this project aims to optimise an mRNA vaccine platform for livestock, demonstrating its potential across both livestock species and pathogen types.
The postholder will be an RNA biology expert responsible for executing the experimental activities relating to optimising RNA vector design in order to enhance stability and target antigen expression, reduce cytotoxicity, and remove need for capping through optimizing UTR sequences, codon usage and RNA structures, and as the project evolves contribute to the evaluation of the immunogenicity and efficacy of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulated mRNA in cattle, pigs and chickens; as well as supporting activities relating to RNA manufacturing and analytics.
Prof Simon Graham leads the consortium and Prof Nicolas Locker and Dr Trevor Sweeney will line manage the post holder.
Main duties and responsibility
Responsible for the design of vaccine candidate antigens and their evaluation of LNP formulated mRNA vectors in target animal species (cattle, pigs and chickens), which will include:
- Engineering mRNA vectors for enhanced stability and target antigen expression
- Exploring RNA structure and UTR modifications to optimise expression
- Optimizing RNA design for cap-free target expression
- Assessing impact of overexpressing vectors on cellular stress responses and RNA metabolism
- Interrogating impact of mRNA vaccine expression on RNA-binding protein function
- Coordinating with other consortia members to characterise antigen expression from naked and LNP formulated mRNA vectors in cells from target species.
- Coordinating with other consortia members to evaluate and compare the immunogenicity of LNP-mRNA vaccine candidates across target species.
Responsible for working as part of a research consortium, which will include:
- Production and provision of mRNA vaccines to support studies at partner institutions.
- Communicating progress and data at monthly and annual consortium meetings and contributing to funder reports.
- Disseminate results through writing high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting at scientific meetings.
- 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)
- Training and supervision of a Research Assistant, and as appropriate, other group members, students and visitors.
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.
Specific requirements
Essential
- A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences
- An excellent record of research productivity, relative to experience
- Experience in RNA biology and gene expression regulation
- Experience of cellular and molecular biology approaches
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
Desirable
- Experience in virology/immunology
- Experience of vaccine R&D, in an academic or industry setting
- Experience of working in research consortia
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change to carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by the line manager and may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing need of The Pirbright Institute.
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.
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