JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate in Immunology
Section:
Immunology
Division:
Infectious Diseases
Department:
Medicine
Job Family/Level:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary Range:
£27,400 - £31,300 per annum
Responsible to:
Dr Peter Kelleher
Responsible for:
Supervision and conduct of research studies
Key Working Relationships (internal):
Dr Peter Kelleher
Key Working Relationships (external):
Dr Michael Loebinger, Dr Panagiotis Pantelidis,
Dr Tom Ford
Location:
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Duration:
Six months in the first instance
The Purpose of the Post
We are looking for a research scientist with a background in immunology, seeking their first
or second post-doctoral position, to work on a project seeking novel biomarkers to
distinguish between active and latent TB infection (Clark SA et al J Allergy Clin Immunol
2011; 128:838-846). You will be responsible for conduct and supervision of experiments
evaluating the interaction between alterations in TRAIL concentration/activity and loss of TB
antigen specific CD4 T cells. The postholder will help to supervise students and be involved
in writing papers and grants.
Research activities specific to the post
The aim of this project is the identification of a biomarker panel that can distinguish between
latent and active TB.
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Employ multi-parametric flow cytometry to assess frequency of CD4 Th1 (CXCR3+
CCR6-CCR4-), Th17 (CXCR3-CCR4+CCR6+) and Th1Th17 (CXCR3+CCR6+CCR4)
in peripheral blood of study participants
Evaluate capacity of PBMC to secrete TB-antigen specific cytokines (IFN- IL-2, IL12) using ELISPOT and intracellular flow cytometric technologies
Determine protein and mRNA expression of TRAIL and IFN- in magnetically bead
selected CD4 T cells following TB peptide stimulation
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To conduct data analysis and ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
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Assist PI with patient recruitment and consent to research study
Supervision of post graduate students (MSc or MD)
To write reports for submission to research sponsors
To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
To submit publications to refereed journals
To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider
community
Other Duties
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant meetings
To comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations, Equal
Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and Safety Policy,
Information Systems Security Policy and Intellectual Property Rights and Register of
Interests Policies
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager / supervisor
Please note that, as this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, a
satisfactory enhanced level Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure will be required for
the successful candidate.
Further information about the Disclosure service can be found at www.crb.gov.uk or by
contacting the CRB information line on 0870 90 90 811.
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, for example Health
and Safety, Data Protection, etc.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in its
Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and all
other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
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PhD in immunology, molecular biology or a closely related discipline, or equivalent
research, industrial or commercial experience
Experience/Knowledge
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Proven experience in more than one of the following areas: handling and processing
patient samples, experience of 6-8 colour flow cytometry, ELISPOT, RT-PCR
Practical experience with software (Flow Jo, PESTLE , SPICE) for analysis of flow
cytometric data
Practical experience of working within multidisciplinary research team including
interactions with potential study participants
Evidence of publication, presentation in immunology/infectious diseases, respiratory
medicine
Experience of working in a small research team and motivating others to produce a
high standard of work
Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the Internet
Skills/Abilities
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Ability to maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
Ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
Capacity to work to deadlines
Personal Attributes
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Creative approach to problem-solving
Interest in multidisciplinary clinical research
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Appreciation of importance of health and safety regulations in handling of high risk
clinical specimens
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to supervise and advice on practical work undertaken by MD and/or MSc
students in her laboratory
Application Guidance
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your application, how
much you feel you meet each of the criteria. If you need more space, please attach
additional sheets to the application form.
The recruitment monitoring section of your application will be detached and will be used only
for monitoring and audit purposes as a basis for supporting our commitment to Equal
Opportunities.
An application form and full CV quoting reference number HM2012003 should be sent, by
the closing date of 26 January 2012, online via the Imperial College iRecruitment website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.