Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Technician
Group:
Mucosal Infection and Immunity
Section:
Infectious Diseases
Division:
Infectious Diseases
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Technical Services, Level 3a
Salary Range:
£28,200 - £32,100 per annum
Responsible To:
Professor Robin Shattock
Working Relationships:
Other members of the project research team &
research staff/students in the Infectious Diseases
Sections
Location:
St Mary’s Campus
Duration:
Full time, fixed term until 30th September 2015
Research Programme
Microbicide Optimization through
prevention of mucosal HIV Infection
Innovative
Formulation
(MOTIF)
for
This position is part of a wider programme which aims to elucidate the processes
which ensure delivery of active antiretroviral compounds to target cells underlying
cervicovaginal or colorectal epithelium and determine protective concentrations of
drug able to prevent infection of such tissues. Despite the intense effort invested in
development of ARV-based HIV microbicides for vaginal application, there is limited
understanding of the molecular mechanisms of drug uptake and efflux in this
compartment. The project aims to develop innovative formulations that not only
optimise drug delivery but also provide a generic procedure for combining ARVs
even where drug physicochemical properties are potentially incompatible. The
proposal also aims to develop improved, physiologically relevant in vitro model
systems to test microbicide formulations optimised for delivery to rectal or vaginal
mucosae.
Job Summary
This project aims to develop in vitro model systems for rapid measurement of drug
transport that are relevant for vaginally and rectally-delivered microbicides, to define
in vitro antiviral activity (SHIV/HIV) and tissue compatibility of formulated ARVmicrobicides in tissue explants, and assess antiviral activity and tissue compatibility
of formulated ARVs in human tissue explants. The successful applicant will use a
variety of molecular biology, immunological and other techniques as appropriate to
achieve milestones within a limited timeframe.
Lab duties
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Provide up-to-date technical expertise and support to a very high standard in
a range of techniques
Provide full laboratory management assistance, i.e day-to-day coordination
and running of the laboratory including supervisory responsibilities for
laboratory staff and students.
Co-ordinate and oversee laboratory staff and students in the laboratories
research procedures to include record-keeping, complying with the required
health and safety procedures, and staff development training
Record and maintain experimental data and information, as relevant and
appropriate
Ensure that all work done in the laboratory complies with the applicable
regulations [(e biohazards associated with the use of human tissue and
maintain all the documentation relevant to day-to-day running of the lab and
other requirements such as up to date SOPs)
Co-ordinate the purchasing and invoicing of laboratory equipment and
supplies and liaise with administrative staff for laboratory budget guidelines,
monitoring and management these accordingly.
Research Duties
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To assist in planning of research
To conduct data analysis
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
Contribute to the writing of reports for submission to funding bodies
To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
Contribute to the submission of publications to refereed journals
To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
To participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the
requirements of the project demand
To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and
elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories and facilities
with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the
laboratories
To comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend
courses on safety when appropriate
Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as
Head of Division/Department/Section
Other Duties
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant meetings
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
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Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager/supervisor
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).
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
Qualifications
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BSc in Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology or a closely related field (or
equivalent experience)
Knowledge / Experience
Essential
 Experience of working in a Level III Containment laboratory.
 Competency at performing ELISAs (development, standardisation,
optimisation).
 Experience in the safe handling of clinical samples and the extraction and
handling of nucleic acids.
 Knowledge of molecular biology techniques including cloning, electrophoresis
and PCR.
Desirable
 Experience of culturing HIV and performing HIV infectivity and neutralisation
assays in cells and ex vivo tissue.
 Experience in immunohistochemistry, confocal fluorescent microscopy and
flow cytometry.
 Experience of consenting patients for research and collecting clinical samples
from surgery.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
 Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
 Ability to develop and apply new concepts
 Creative approach to problem-solving
 Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range
of people
 Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
 Ability to organise and prioritise own work with minimal supervision and in
response to deadlines
 Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the
Internet.
Personal Attributes
Essential
 Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
 Flexible attitude towards work
 Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
 Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
 Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and attend conferences and meetings if necessary.
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 HM2013060 should be
sent, online via the Imperial College iRecruitment website. Shortlisted candidates will
be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date. Thanks you for your interest
this post. We look forward to receiving your application.