BEFORE APPLYING, PLEASE CONSIDER ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE UK

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
The Pirbright Institute hosts the National Reference Laboratory for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and is designated as the World Reference Laboratory for FMD (WRLFMD) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and acts as a reference laboratory for FMD on behalf of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
The duties of the post-holder will include the calibration of pipettes used by the reference laboratories and supporting FMD diagnostic work through the preparation and maintenance of laboratory reagents and cell culture and assisting with diagnostic testing. A flexible approach and willingness to participate in a broad range of activities will be required.
Main duties and responsibilities:

Responsible for calibration of pipettes (50%), which will include:

• Calibrating pipettes in support of the reference laboratories in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
• Maintaining a schedule for the calibration of pipettes used in ISO/IEC 17025 accredited tests in the reference laboratories.
• Maintaining calibration records and all related documentation
• Liaising with relevant groups regarding any actions and issues

Supporting the work of the WRLFMD (50%), which will include:

• Assisting in the day-to-day running of the laboratory (such as cell preparation, reagent, and equipment preparation, maintaining stock supplies, etc.)
• Assisting in the running of the diagnostic assays in the virology laboratory

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 their 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
The successful candidate must have a keen attention to detail, demonstrate a good level of organisation and be able to follow strict guidelines, in line with our laboratory’s classification as a high hazard site and our regulatory requirements. They must be willing to learn new skills and techniques, develop within their role, and be flexible in the post requirements. The successful candidate must be a strong team player with excellent communication skills.
Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• 5 GCSEs (including maths or biology and English language).
• Background knowledge of diagnostic virology and methods.
• Previous practical experience of working in a laboratory.
• Able to work within high containment facilities and deal with the associated physical demands of the post.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, time management, and working knowledge of standard Microsoft packages.
• Good team player and able to work independently.

Desirable

• A Level Biology or equivalent.
• Experience of working in a Quality management environment.
• Good attention to detail.
• Work out of hours/weekends.

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a 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 jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £25,500.00-£26,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 31/01/202

• Calibrating pipettes in support of the reference laboratories in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
• Maintaining a schedule for the calibration of pipettes used in ISO/IEC 17025 accredited tests in the reference laboratories.
• Maintaining calibration records and all related documentation
• Liaising with relevant groups regarding any actions and issue