Research Assistant at The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, UK

The Pirbright Institute, a UK research centre for viral diseases of animals, is recruiting a Research Assistant at its campus in Pirbright, Surrey. A degree in a relevant branch of biosciences and at least one year of practical experience with diagnostic assays are required. The closing date is 19 November 2026.

Job Details

Employer: The Pirbright Institute

Position: Research Assistant

Location: Pirbright, Surrey (Woking), United Kingdom

Employment Type: Fixed Term/Full Time

Contract Length: Fixed Term 2 years

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £35,000.00-£36,500.00

Closing Date: 19 November 2026

Job Description

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. It also acts as a reference laboratory for FMD on behalf of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The post-holder will be a member of the Virology Section within the Vesicular Disease Reference Laboratory (VDRL), and will participate in vital FMD diagnostic work, as well as in the development and validation of assays for the detection and characterisation of FMDV and other vesicular disease viruses. A flexible approach and a willingness to participate in a broad range of projects relating to the development of improved assays for diagnosis will also be required. The post holder will participate in training activities during the annual FMDV training course.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for diagnostic testing, which will include:

  • Performing virology and molecular assays
  • Assisting with development and improvement of diagnostic assays
  • Preparing of documentation and reports
  • Comply with and support the quality assurance processes, as well and the biosafety and health and safety regulatory requirements
  • Participation on on-call rota and out-of-hours diagnostic activities

Responsible for:

  • Supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory, including but not limited to ordering and preparing reagents, maintaining and preparing cells, maintaining equipment, etc.
  • Training others with procedures and use of equipment

The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager.

Eligibility Criteria

Essential:

  • Degree in a relevant branch of biosciences
  • Demonstrated practical experience of diagnostic assays (minimum one year), such as virus isolation, ELISA, real-time RT-PCR and processes that underpin diagnostic assays
  • Demonstrable experience of working autonomously in a similar role
  • Demonstrable experience in dealing with the physical demands of working in high containment
  • Demonstrable experience of working in a quality management system
  • Proven experience of good record keeping

Required Skills

  • Capable of careful and precise work. Excellent attention to detail is critical.
  • Excellent organisational abilities and ability to multi-task, as well as working within a team
  • Evidence of reliability in dealing with high pressure situations
  • Good oral and written communication skills

Desirable:

  • Understanding of the steps required for assay development and validation
  • Experience in using laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

During busy periods, longer hours may be required, including weekend and overnight work in response to diagnostic and on-call needs.

Salary

GBP 35,000–36,500

Additional Information

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 Pirbright offers you:

  • A unique opportunity to shape both your research programme and the scientific direction of a world-leading institute.
  • Beautiful campus in a semi-rural location with free on-site parking and good transport links.
  • Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life assurance (subject to age and earnings).
  • Professorial-equivalent appointment (Band H); salary negotiable.
  • Permanent position with senior leadership responsibilities.
  • Annual consumables budget, access to internal PhD studentships, internships, and seed funding.
  • Eligibility for strategic funding for a postdoctoral researcher.
  • 25 days annual leave plus public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with long service.
  • Enhanced Parental package.
  • Option to buy and sell annual leave.
  • Option to carry over or buy up to two weeks’ annual leave.
  • Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount website).
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Childcare allowance.
  • Electric car charging facilities.

About The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading centre of excellence for research and surveillance of viral diseases affecting farm animals and viruses that spread