The Pirbright Institue is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join a collaborative project between The Pirbright Institute and The Moredun Research Institute, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to develop novel vaccines against Haemonchus contortus, a major parasitic threat to small ruminants worldwide, which has a significant economic impact on global livestock industries. The primary objective is to generate a library of functionally-relevant sheep monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against H. contortus to inform vaccine development and selection. The Postdoctoral Scientist will work within the Immunogenetics and Immunological Toolbox Groups, applying cutting-edge antibody discovery techniques, including single-cell antibody sequencing, spectral flow cytometry, and high-throughput antibody expression systems. The role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to vaccine research by characterising H. contortus-specific mAbs and advancing our understanding of host-parasite interactions.Main Duties and Responsibilities: Designing, Performing, and Analysing Experiments (80%)

• Design and execute experiments to isolate H. contortus (H-gal-GP complex antigen) specific mAbs from sheep using single B cell discovery technologies. (30%)
• Recombinant expression and purification of sheep monoclonal antibodies (IgGs isotypes) using a mammalian expression system. (20%)
• Develop assays to characterise antibody binding and function. (20%)
• Analyse experimental data using appropriate statistical and analytical tools. (10%)
Responsible for the laboratory activities of the Immunological Toolbox, which will include (20%):
• Provide support to other members of the team as required, including assisting with their experiments and projects. (10%)
• Train and supervise colleagues across other groups on experimental techniques and procedures offered by Immunological Toolbox. (5%)
• Participate in lab management including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and adherence to safety protocols. (5%)
Research Communication and Collaboration
• Communicate research progress and findings through regular team meetings and reports.
• Prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and biosecurity regulations to maintain a safe and effective working environment.
Contributing to the Wider Research Community
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within The Pirbright Institute and with external partners.
• Serve on relevant committees and participate in outreach and public engagement activities.
• Support the broader scientific mission of the Institute by contributing to strategic research initiatives and funding proposals.
  
  PhD (or equivalent experience) in immunology, molecular biology, or a related bioscience field.
• A broad understanding of immunology and antigen receptors.
• Proficiency in designing assays with a keen attention to detail, ensuring the inclusion of appropriate controls to validate experimental results.
• Strong background in antibody biology, B cell immunology, and antigen recognition.
• Hands-on experience with antibody discovery techniques, including flow cytometry and molecular cloning.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a record of productive scientific collaboration
Desirable
• Experience in recombinant antibody production and high-throughput expression systems.
• Knowledge of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques for antibody discovery.
• Expertise in functional assays, including ELISA, ELISpot, ADCC, and ADCP.
• A strong publication record in immunology, molecular biology, or related disciplines.