Research Scientist, Institute for Animal Health

Research Scientist, Institute for Animal Health - Pirbright, United Kingdom

Τρίτη, Δεκεμβρίου 06, 2011

Αναζήτηση Θέματος

The Institute for Animal Health (IAH), an institute of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), is a unique national centre that works to enhance the UK capability to contain, control, and eliminate viral diseases of animals through its highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience.

Research Scientist, United Kingdom

We thereby support the competitiveness of UK livestock and poultry producers, and improve the quality of life of both animals and people.

Main duties and responsibilities

IBD is a major immunosuppressive infectious disease of chickens caused by the highly contagious Birnavirus designated IBDV. The person appointed will carry out research into IBD to investigate the viral gene functions as well as molecular pathogenic mechanisms of the disease. Experiments in inbred lines of chickens will be conducted to identify genetic resistance to pathogenesis and virus replication. Analysis of viral and host gene expression in infected cells will be undertaken to examine molecular changes to gain insights into the disease.

AID research currently carried out at the Compton Laboratory will transfer to Pirbright by around 2013, where the state-of-the-art laboratory and animal experimentation facilities along with a number of inbred specific-pathogen-free lines of chickens of distinct genetic susceptibility to viral diseases will be available for research. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Human Resources Division.

Qualifications
Essential:

A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences

Knowledge and Experience
Essential:

An active interest in undertaking scientific research to find solutions for various animal health issues;
The ability to work closely with others as part of a team, while taking personal responsibility for assigned tasks;
Experience in a range of molecular biological skills (as evidenced by publications) with sound knowledge and good experience in both conventional PCR and quantitative real-time PCR methods;
Experience in various immunological methods for detection of viral antigens and for measuring immune responses to viral infection;
Experience in tissue culture and virological methods;
Basic understanding of the principles of proteomics, protein-protein interactions and mass spectrometry;
The ability to learn and apply new techniques and to investigate and resolve problems in a logical manner;
Experience in communicating results clearly and logically, both in written reports and orally.

Desirable:

Experience in handling avian viruses including Marek’s disease virus;
Experience in conducting animal experiments in poultry;
Experience with microscopy (confocal microscopy and laser dissection microscopy);
Possession of a Home Office Licence (Animal Scientific Procedures);
Understanding the principles of statistical analysesPage 3 of 4.