38 National Physical Laboratory jobs in the United Kingdom

Research Scientist – 25P-010

The Pirbright institute

Salary: £33,500-£35,000 per annum

Fixed Term Contract until 31st December 2026

Onsite: Woking, GU24

Application closing date: 19/08/2025

Please send your cv alongside a cover letter to

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. 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

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join the Mucosal Immunology Group at contributing to a transformative research programme supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and BBSRC Institute Strategic Programme Grants.

This post offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering One Health research initiative focused on interrupting the transmission of respiratory viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses, which remain major public health challenges despite the availability of current vaccines and antivirals. The work will utilise the pig as a large, natural host animal model due to its close physiological, anatomical, immunological, and genetic similarities to humans. Pigs not only serve as natural hosts for influenza viruses highly similar to those in humans, but their lung structure and antibody responses also provide a highly relevant platform for translational research.

The postholder will investigate the potential of mRNA-encoded antibodies, interferons, and other innate immune stimulators administered to the respiratory tract to prevent infection and interrupt transmission. This will include evaluating their capacity to reduce viral shedding, limit lung pathology, and disease severity. A central element of the project involves comparing different delivery strategies to determine which offer the most effective expression and protection in vivo. The role will also involve the development of porcine influenza-specific monoclonal antibodies following infection or immunisation, with detailed analysis of their specificity, functionality, and repertoire depending on the route of administration.

To achieve these objectives, the postholder will apply a broad range of immunological and virological techniques, including ELISA, microneutralization assays, virus propagation, plaque assays, molecular cloning, antibody repertoire profiling, and bioinformatics. These methods will be integral to assessing both the immune response and therapeutic efficacy of novel interventions.

This position represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to translational, interdisciplinary research with real-world impact on vaccine and therapeutic development in both human and veterinary medicine. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of the Mucosal Immunology Group and will maintain close communication with collaborators within the BMGF network.

Main duties and responsibility

Responsible for conducting research into transmission of and immunity to influenza viruses

• Assisted with analysis of B and T cell responses following influenza infection

• Helped identify and characterise antigen-specific B cells using flow cytometry

• Contributed to antibody repertoire analysis under supervision

• Cloning and recombinant expression of influenza specific monoclonal antibodies

• Assisted in functional testing of monoclonal antibodies, including ELISA, neutralisation, HAI, ADCC, CDC and ADCP assays

• Preparation of virus challenge material and quantification of virus load in tissues

• Assist with conducting influenza animal studies

Responsible for working as part of a research team, which will include

• Communicating progress and data, including presentations as internal and external meetings

• Help supervise students and staff

• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols

• Assist with lab management (ordering, looking after equipment, sample inventories)

• Developing and maintaining documentation associated with the health, safety, and biosecurity of the research to preserve a safe working environment

• Performing a range of outreach activities

Main criteria

Essential

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biosciences discipline.

• Experience in influenza virological techniques including virus propagation and quantification, microneutralization and haemagglutination inhibition assays.

• Experience in immunology including flow cytometry, analysis of cellular and humoral responses, ELISPOT, proliferation assays, ELISA, ADCC and ADCP.

• Ability to effectively prioritise tasks and manage workload under pressure.

• Willingness to work outside of standard working hours when required.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment.

• Experience in biological containment practices and in working under bio secure conditions.

• Experience in working with large animals.

• Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft office packages, experience in data presentation and statistical analyses.

• Evidence of experience and vision to carry out scientific research in a multi-disciplinary team.

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 for an update.

WHJS1_UKTJ

Are you an AI Research Scientist passionate about using LLMs and machine learning to reshape how organisations understand people?

We’re looking for a curious and pragmatic AI Research Scientist to join a remote team building the next generation of AI-powered insight tools. You’ll be working on a real-world research platform already in production — now expanding into new territory with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), vector search, and intelligent automation.

In this role, you’ll help reimagine how unstructured and structured data from large-scale surveys and discussions can be turned into clear, actionable insight using advanced AI. From redesigning RAG stacks to building AI-powered report writers and secure vector stores, you’ll be solving rich, challenging problems at the intersection of NLP, data infrastructure, and human understanding.

Whether you’ve shipped AI features before or have strong personal research and projects, this is a chance to shape products used by real researchers and clients every day.

What’s in it for you?

Human-Centred AI : Build tools that help researchers analyse real human thoughts, opinions, and behaviours — at scale.

Company Name: Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Type of Role : Contract position, Inside IR35

Contract length: 6 months

Location: Milton Park - Oxford, onsite 5 days a week

Looking for opportunities with purpose, impact and possibilities? Our client, Vertex, is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. As they grow their pipeline at pace, they are strengthening their reputation for creating transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.

We are currently seeking a self-motivated and experienced protein biochemist to join the Structural Biology and Biophysics group at our Oxford site (Milton Park).

This position provides the candidate with an opportunity to learn and develop skills in drug discovery in a patient-focused environment.

The successful candidate should demonstrate strong hands-on experience of protein production from multiple expression systems, and purification of challenging targets such as protein complexes and/or membrane proteins. A key feature of this role is an ability to critically assess the scientific literature, and to design and run your experiments independently.

Experience in a broad range of biophysical or biochemical techniques, preferably using high throughput methods, and/or experience with either X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM would also be an advantage.

You will be part of a high impact team advancing drug discovery through application of protein biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology techniques. You will be working collaboratively with multiple interdisciplinary teams both in the U.K. and globally.

Key responsibilities

• Purification of proteins and other macromolecules for structural studies, biophysics and high throughput assays.
• Biophysical and biochemical studies of macromolecules using a range of methods for direct binding and small molecule modulator development.
• Maintaining an in-depth understanding of the biochemistry, molecular structure and wider role of each target in disease through critical analysis of the literature, working closely with our disease biology teams.

Key requirements

Essentials

• Ph.D. level (or equivalent experience) Biochemist or Biologist with extensive laboratory experience from similar roles in the pharmaceutical industry and/or in academia.
• A track record of delivering high impact results in protein science within academic or pharmaceutical industry settings as demonstrated through a strong publication history, supported by evidence of individual contributions to projects.
• Practical experience of recombinant protein expression in several platforms including mammalian (stable and transients), insect cells or E.coli .
• Strong practical experience in protein purification including IMAC, IEC, SEC, IEX, HIC, fusion protein cleavage technologies, use of AKTA system-based chromatography.
• Strong interpersonal and troubleshooting skills.

Desirable

• Familiarity with high-throughput methods for assessing protein expression and purification yields and quality is desired.
• Experience in the use of a range of biophysical methods, particularly in the context of assessing small molecule target engagement and/or experience with structural biology methods is an advantage.
• Experience with either X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM or cryoET.
• Excellent record keeping, communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrable leadership for promoting innovation in those techniques and demonstrable abilities to troubleshoot problems as they arise.

Vertex is partnering with Talent Works to manage their international temporary job openings. If you are successful in your application, you will be employed by Talent Works to work on a temporary assignment at Vertex.

About us
Exscientia is an AI-driven precision medicine company committed to discovering, designing and developing the best possible drugs in the fastest and most effective manner. Exscientia developed the first-ever functional precision oncology platform to successfully guide treatment selection and improve patient outcomes in a prospective interventional clinical study, as well as to progress AI-designed small molecules into the clinical setting. Our internal pipeline is focused on leveraging our precision medicine platform in oncology, while our partnered pipeline broadens our approach to other therapeutic areas. By pioneering a new approach to medicine creation, we believe the best ideas of science can rapidly become the best medicines for patients.

All of our Innovation is driven by people; highly talented multi-disciplinary teams that work collaboratively to solve real world drug discovery problems. Following multiple partnerships with many leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutes, we have a robust and rapidly expanding portfolio of projects, and we are looking to continue to expand our immunology group and hire a Research scientist.

The team

The Immunology team at Exscientia provides immunology insights and experimental expertise to small-molecule discovery projects focused on auto-immune and inflammatory diseases. The team is based in well-equipped labs on the Oxford Science Park. The successful candidate will provide data to help the team validate novel targets and critical data to drive our drug discovery projects in support of a range of target classes, often in areas of novel biology. Working in multi-disciplinary discovery teams, we bring immunological and disease understanding to support data-driven decision-making to progress projects efficiently. We work on internal and partnered projects, developing effective and productive relationships with all our collaborators.

The role

Successful applicants will use their immunological expertise to design and implement a series of studies to enable target validation across a broad areas in immunology and inflammatory indications. You will be given the freedom to design, plan and execute a variety of assays, ensuring that the assays are fit-for-purpose, and that data is appropriately quality-controlled. You will additionally provide data to drive active portfolio programs and support mode of action and translational studies. We have access to a wide array of assay technologies (including FRET, luminescence, FACs, imaging) with liquid handling/automation capabilities and are continually striving to deploy the latest technologies and develop ever more efficient processes. This is primarily a laboratory-based positions with scope for continual learning and development and exposure to all scientific disciplines within the drug discovery process from target id/validation to candidate selection.

Requirements

Essential competencies:

• Ph.D in Biology, immunology or a related discipline or a BSc/MSc degree with relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry or academia.

• Practical understanding of a wide range of assay technologies such as multiplexing, flow cytometry and imaging
• Sterile techniques and cell culture
• Isolating & working with human primary immune cells and/or complex cell models
• In vitro assay development and assay optimisation experience
• Flexible, adaptable and able to work across multiple projects
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to communicate technical information to a non-specialist audience

Desirable competencies:

• Experience in working on a drug discovery program and screening data analysis
• Practical knowledge in molecular techniques such as lentiviral transduction and siRNA knockdown
• Broad experience across a wide range of I&I indications
• Use of automation/liquid handling
• Working with in an inter-disciplinary team

Benefits

• Join our inclusive, collaborative and intellectually stimulating organisation with strong company values.
• As a learning organisation, we provide access to learning and development opportunities and will place you at the forefront of your career growth at Exscientia.
• We employ brilliant people so we pay highly competitive salaries. Additionally, all our employees are eligible for a company-wide annual bonus and receive both a new joiner and annual share award.
• Enjoy our generous holiday allowance and flexible working approach to find a healthy work-life balance that works for you.
• Create amazing memories or progress your personal and professional development with our four-week paid sabbatical after four years of service.
• We’re leading the way in progressive leave, offering enhanced policies such as generous parental leave, surrogacy, menopause, and family emergency leave so you feel supported no matter the life event.
• Additionally, we support childcare costs for children aged 0-5 through our affordable childcare scheme.
• Take advantage of two generous salary exchange schemes to claim discounts on a brand new electricvehicle and cycling equipment worth up to £3,500.
• As a healthcare company, we understand the importance of health and wellbeing so we provide comprehensive private health insurance, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
• We also provide plenty of access to mental health support including therapy and counselling sessions plus an employee assistance program for help with lifestyle issues such as bereavement, family problems or money management.
• To help safeguard the future for you and your loved ones, we also offer pension and life cover.
• Help yourself to free drinks and snacks in our fully stocked kitchens. Join your colleagues in one of our many breakout areas and get to know the people you are working with. Some of the best ideas start with a coffee break!
• Feel inspired in our high spec labs where you will use state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation that enable you to do your best work.
• We’ll even support your home office environment with an allowance for furniture and equipment to make your space as comfortable and productive as possible.
• Learn more about why our team enjoy working at Exscientia here

Job Summary:

We are looking to hire several contract Research Scientists with expertise in computer systems and AI infrastructure to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of computer systems, machine learning, and distributed systems. We welcome applicants with backgrounds in one or more of the following areas: operating systems, distributed systems, and machine learning systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Rapid Prototyping: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to quickly develop and test proof-of-concept prototypes, validating research ideas in real-world, industrial environments.
• Performance Optimization: Perform detailed profiling and optimization of operating systems and large-scale distributed systems, leveraging a range of heterogeneous hardware (e.g., CPU, NPU) for enhanced performance.
• Research Publications: Transform research findings and innovative contributions into high-impact publications in top-tier academic journals and conferences.
• Technical Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation outlining research methods, design decisions, and implementation specifics to ensure reproducibility and support internal knowledge sharing.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate research progress, performance insights, and key outcomes to internal stakeholders through clear and engaging presentations.

Person Specification:

List details of Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications needed to do the job:

Required:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.
• Be comfortable with research methodology.
• Have an in-depth understanding of operating systems and/or distributed systems and/or cloud computing and/or machine learning algorithms.
• Good programming skills, master of at least one language, such as C/C++.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Desired:

• PhD in operating systems, distributed systems, machine learning, or a related field.
• Published papers in top journals/conferences focused on systems (NSDI, EuroSys, SoCC, OSDI etc.) and/or machine learning (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR).
• Experience in the full lifecycle of developing, deploying, and maintaining large-scale cloud production systems, demonstrating expertise in scalability, reliability, and performance optimization.

Role: Senior Outcomes Research Scientist
Location: Hybrid - 2 days per week in office (Welwyn)
Hours: Full-time / 37.5 hours per week

Contract: 9 Month Maternity Cover (Outside IR35)
Pay:

• LTD/UMB: 75 - 90 per hour (including holiday pay)
• PAYE: 55.96 - 67.16 per hour (excluding holiday pay)

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Senior Outcomes Research Scientist to join one of our longstanding clients, a highly regarded organisation operating within the pharmaceutical sector, on a 9-month maternity cover contract. This role will support high-impact patient-centered research, primarily within the neuroscience portfolio, with involvement in a mix of therapeutic areas as needed.

Benefits:

• Contract role with flexible hybrid working
• Competitive weekly pay
• Generous holiday - 25 days plus bank holidays
• Work with a highly experienced, collaborative research team
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful clinical research outcomes

The Requirements:

• MSc in Public Health, Psychology, or a related field (PhD preferred)
• Minimum 3 years' experience in patient-centered outcomes research, ideally within pharma or consultancy
• Strong interest or background in neuromuscular disease is desirable
• Experience implementing clinical outcome assessments (COAs), including digital solutions and eCOA
• Strategic oversight experience of eCOA implementation (e.g., vendor liaison, UAT coordination)
• Strong understanding of measurement strategy, linguistic validation, and patient engagement
• Comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams, including study teams, development and lifecycle teams, data science, and commercial access teams
• Able to work on-site in Welwyn an average of 2 days per week

The Role:

• Develop and execute patient-centered measurement strategies across the drug development lifecycle
• Work on a variety of projects with a predominant focus on the neuroscience portfolio
• Collaborate with clinical study teams and global cross-functional stakeholders to implement outcome assessments effectively
• Act as a strategic lead for clinical trial delivery areas including eCOA, digital strategy, and patient/site engagement
• Evaluate and recommend tools to capture the patient experience accurately and meaningfully
• Oversee processes such as linguistic validation, user acceptance testing, and technical specification reviews for COAs

If you're keen to join an exceptional team driving innovation in patient-centered research, then please apply to this Senior Outcomes Research Scientist role below or call Chloe McCausland at Clearline Recruitment on (phone number removed) between 8:30am - 5:00pm .

Role: Senior Outcomes Research Scientist
Location: Hybrid - 2 days per week in office (Welwyn)
Hours: Full-time / 37.5 hours per week

Contract: 9 Month Maternity Cover (Outside IR35)
Pay:

• LTD/UMB: 75 - 90 per hour (including holiday pay)
• PAYE: 55.96 - 67.16 per hour (excluding holiday pay)

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Senior Outcomes Research Scientist to join one of our longstanding clients, a highly regarded organisation operating within the pharmaceutical sector, on a 9-month maternity cover contract. This role will support high-impact patient-centered research, primarily within the neuroscience portfolio, with involvement in a mix of therapeutic areas as needed.

Benefits:

• Contract role with flexible hybrid working
• Competitive weekly pay
• Generous holiday - 25 days plus bank holidays
• Work with a highly experienced, collaborative research team
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful clinical research outcomes

The Requirements:

• MSc in Public Health, Psychology, or a related field (PhD preferred)
• Minimum 3 years' experience in patient-centered outcomes research, ideally within pharma or consultancy
• Strong interest or background in neuromuscular disease is desirable
• Experience implementing clinical outcome assessments (COAs), including digital solutions and eCOA
• Strategic oversight experience of eCOA implementation (e.g., vendor liaison, UAT coordination)
• Strong understanding of measurement strategy, linguistic validation, and patient engagement
• Comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams, including study teams, development and lifecycle teams, data science, and commercial access teams
• Able to work on-site in Welwyn an average of 2 days per week

The Role:

• Develop and execute patient-centered measurement strategies across the drug development lifecycle
• Work on a variety of projects with a predominant focus on the neuroscience portfolio
• Collaborate with clinical study teams and global cross-functional stakeholders to implement outcome assessments effectively
• Act as a strategic lead for clinical trial delivery areas including eCOA, digital strategy, and patient/site engagement
• Evaluate and recommend tools to capture the patient experience accurately and meaningfully
• Oversee processes such as linguistic validation, user acceptance testing, and technical specification reviews for COAs

If you're keen to join an exceptional team driving innovation in patient-centered research, then please apply to this Senior Outcomes Research Scientist role below or call Chloe McCausland at Clearline Recruitment on (phone number removed) between 8:30am - 5:00pm .

Job Summary:

We are looking to hire several contract Research Scientists with expertise in computer systems and AI infrastructure to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of computer systems, machine learning, and distributed systems. We welcome applicants with backgrounds in one or more of the following areas: operating systems, distributed systems, and machine learning systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Rapid Prototyping: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to quickly develop and test proof-of-concept prototypes, validating research ideas in real-world, industrial environments.
• Performance Optimization: Perform detailed profiling and optimization of operating systems and large-scale distributed systems, leveraging a range of heterogeneous hardware (e.g., CPU, NPU) for enhanced performance.
• Research Publications: Transform research findings and innovative contributions into high-impact publications in top-tier academic journals and conferences.
• Technical Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation outlining research methods, design decisions, and implementation specifics to ensure reproducibility and support internal knowledge sharing.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate research progress, performance insights, and key outcomes to internal stakeholders through clear and engaging presentations.

Person Specification:

List details of Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications needed to do the job:

Required:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.
• Be comfortable with research methodology.
• Have an in-depth understanding of operating systems and/or distributed systems and/or cloud computing and/or machine learning algorithms.
• Good programming skills, master of at least one language, such as C/C++.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Desired:

• PhD in operating systems, distributed systems, machine learning, or a related field.
• Published papers in top journals/conferences focused on systems (NSDI, EuroSys, SoCC, OSDI etc.) and/or machine learning (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR).
• Experience in the full lifecycle of developing, deploying, and maintaining large-scale cloud production systems, demonstrating expertise in scalability, reliability, and performance optimization.