IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate (SM138-13)
School:
Public Health
Department:
Genomics of Common Disease
Job Family / Level:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary Range:
£28,200 – £40,720 per annum
Responsible to:
Professor Philippe Froguel, Chair in Genomic
Medicine
Responsible for:
Laboratory Technician
Contract:
Full time and fixed term until 31 October 2017
Location:
Hammersmith Campus, East Acton
Research Programme and Job Summary:
Type 2 diabetes and obesity are the two most common diseases that affect global
public health, both in developed and developing countries. The Department of
Genomics of Common Disease is at the forefront of research in the field of genomics
of complex human disease, with a particular focus on metabolic diseases. Research
within the Department combines laboratory data-generation using cutting-edge
genomic technologies with innovative biostatistical and computational methodologies
for data analysis.
The post holder will oversee the setting up of a new unit for cell and molecular
biology studies in the Department; develop strategies and experimental study
designs, and conduct in vitro functional analyses to establish the functional role of
genomic variants identified from ongoing high-throughput -omics and system biology
studies. The post is funded by ERC.
Research Duties:
 To work closely with staff in the Department on the design and implementation of
functional studies in both cell lines and primary cultures to conduct post-genomic
research aimed at the identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying
disease-specific genomic associations, including rare and common genetic
variants, structural variants, transcriptomic and epigenetic signatures
 To keep detailed records of experimental procedures and results
 To keep abreast of relevant new molecular techniques and technological
developments
 To present work at scientific meetings and publish work in peer-reviewed journals
 To line manage a Laboratory Technician and assist with the supervision of other
laboratory staff (postdocs and PhD/MSc students)
 To participate in fortnightly department research-in-progress meetings, journal
club and seminars
Other Duties
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To comply with the College, School, and Departmental safety practices and to
attend courses on safety as appropriate
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the
key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data
Protection, Equal Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety,
Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and supervisors), Information
Technology, Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and Smoking
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out
on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the
head of department
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and so 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 our Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and Disability Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice
frameworks.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential
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PhD in Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Genetics or closely related discipline, or
equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
Knowledge / Experience
Essential
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Extensive postdoctoral research experience
Practical experience of cell culture research methods
Documented evidence of ability to prepare manuscripts for publication in peerreviewed journals
Knowledge and experience of a wide range of basic research methods such as
extraction and quantification of DNA, RNA and protein from blood and other
tissues
Expertise in several of the following: cell/tissue culture, molecular cloning, gene
expression analysis including (real-time) RT-PCR, fluorescence microscopy,
analysis of cell signalling, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, luciferase reporter
assays, western blot analysis, ChIP, RNAi.
Basic knowledge of statistics and bioinformatics
Experience of working well as part of a team
Demonstration of experience and taking responsibility for the smooth running of a
busy and hard working laboratory
Desirable
 Practical experience of array-based technologies such as genotyping, gene
expression and methylation arrays
Skills and Abilities
Essential
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Ability to prioritise a varied workload and work under pressure to meet deadlines
while maintaining a high level of accuracy
Demonstrable ability to innovate, and ability to trouble-shoot technical problems
Ability to communicate clearly with scientists from multi-disciplinary backgrounds
Ability to organise own workload with minimal supervision
Thoroughness and ability to keep accurate and thorough laboratory records
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team, being prepared to work
at a high level of productivity
Good computer skills
Ability to deal with colleagues in a professional manner at all times
Ability to change and adapt according to the development of the project
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Ability to assist in directing junior researchers and assist in motivating others to
produce a high standard of work
Ability to exercise initiative and work independently
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Personal Attributes
Essential
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Self-motivated
Creative approach to problem solving
Other
Essential
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Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and attend conferences
Imperial Expectations
These are the 7 principles that Imperial leaders, managers and supervisors are
expected to follow:
1) Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2) Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3) Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4) Deliver positive outcomes
5) Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6) Support and develop staff to optimise talent
7) Work in a planned and managed way
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. To facilitate
completing your application, please prepare the following information:
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A cover letter describing your research interests and why you wish to apply for
the position
Current curriculum vitae
Date that you anticipate starting a postdoctoral position
Your CV it should include the following information:
Applicant’s full name, private address and private telephone number
A confidential e-mail address and fax number, where possible
Degrees (including University and dates)
Past and present posts
List of publications
Brief description of future research plans
Names, addresses and email for three referees.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your
application.