JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Department:
Research Associate
Department of Life Sciences
Job Family/Level:
Salary range:
Reporting To:
Academic and Research, Level B
£32,750 – £41,540 per annum
Location:
Dr Gloria Rudenko
Working relationships: Other academic and research staff, Members of the laboratory; administrative staff
South Kensington Campus
Working Hours: Not normally less than 35 hours per week
Length of contract: This is a fixed term position available immediately for a period of up to 24 months in the first instance
Summary of Post
You will be based in the laboratory of Dr. Gloria Rudenko in the Sir Alexander Fleming
Building, at the South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London. You will assist in scientific research dealing with molecular mechanisms of immune evasion in African trypanosomes. You will contribute to producing independent and original research within the group and aid in the submission of publications to refereed journals. You will also help with teaching and administration within the research group.
Area of research interest
Our research programme studies the molecular and cellular biology of African trypanosomes
(causative agent of African Sleeping Sickness) in particular regarding mechanisms mediating immune evasion. Trypanosomes are single-celled eukaryotes capable of continuously changing their Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat during the course of a chronic infection. Trypanosomes provide a very manipulable experimental system for investigating antigenic variation and host-pathogen interactions. We are attempting to understand how immune evasion operates through molecular approaches including genetic modification (gene knock-outs) and double-stranded RNA inhibition ( RNAi ). A main focus of the group is understanding transcriptional control in trypanosomes, particularly with regards to how this is influenced by chromatin structure.
African trypanosomes are effective extracellular parasites of the mammalian bloodstream, as they are protected by a dense Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat which can be switched during the course of an infection. The active VSG gene is located in one of many
VSG expression site transcription units. We would like to understand how VSG expression sites are turned on and off. In addition, we would like to understand how silent areas of the trypanosome genome are kept inactive, and how transcriptional control, including the epigenetic control of VSG expression is mediated ( PLoS Pathogens 2012 8: e1003010)
( NAR 2011 39 2018-2031) (Euk Cell 2011 10: 964-976)( EMBO J 2007 26: 2400-2410) (.
Additional interests in the lab include the monitoring of VSG synthesis during the cell-cycle
( PNAS 2005 102: 8716-8721) and mechanisms of VSG switching ( Mol Micro 2005 57: 1608-

1622) Additional information about our research is available on the laboratory website:
( http://rudenkolab.co.uk/ ). Informal queries can be addressed to Dr. Rudenko
(gloria.rudenko@imperial.ac.uk).
The research involves basic molecular biology techniques including sterile cell culture and transfection, DNA cloning, DNA and RNA analysis, PCR, qPCR, ChIP, Pulsed Field Gel electrophoresis, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.
This project would involve a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research, and the need to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Main Duties:

To assist in the day-to-day running of the project.

Planning appropriate experiments.

Reporting to regular laboratory meetings, journals clubs and internal and external seminars.

Producing accurate report-ready data and to assist in the preparation of written progress reports as required.

Taking initiatives in the planning of research.

Identifying and developing suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data.

Conducting analysis ensuring its validity and reliability of data at all times.

Maintaining accurate and complete records of all findings.

Running analyses and tests using specified and agreed techniques and models.

Helping with the smooth running, organization of the laboratory and ensuring that
GLP is observed in all procedures directly related to the research project.

Prioritising tasks within agreed work schedules.

Writing of regular (monthly) internal reports.

Preparing material for presentation in oral and poster formats.

Presentation of findings to colleagues and at conferences.

Drafting of publications for submission to refereed journals.

To write reports for submission to research sponsors.

Contributing in writing bids for research grants.

To undertake instruction of PhD students as agreed.

Supervising practical work and advising students on techniques.

To direct the work of small research teams including undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Attending relevant workshops and conferences as necessary.

Developing contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider community.

Promoting the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College.

To take responsibility for organising resources and effective decision making in support of research

To help with the smooth running and organization of the laboratory.

Ensuring that best practice is observed in all procedures relating to the research project.

To participate in all duties associated with support of the research, including laboratory rotas.
Other Duties:

To undertake appropriate administration tasks

To undertake limited teaching duties as required by the Department.

To attend relevant meetings

To undertake any necessary training and/or development

To maintain safe workplace practice and procedures in accordance with the requirements of Health and Safety legislation;


To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant statutory Health and Safety legislation and recommendations and attend safety training as required.

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
Job Title
Department/Section
Research Associate
Department of Life Sciences, Infection and Immunity
Qualifications

PhD in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology, or an equivalent level of professional qualifications and/or experience.
Knowledge/Experience
Essential

Experience in investigating basic molecular biology questions in any experimental system as shown by publications in good peer reviewed journals .

Extensive experience with a range of basic molecular biology, cell culturing and microscopy techniques.
Desirable

Experience in investigating transcriptional control.

Experience in investigating epigenetic control of gene expression including chromatin structure and remodeling
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 own work with minimal supervision

Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines

Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work

High level analytical capability

Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Ability to apply relevant models, techniques and methods and develop new ones

Ability to assess resource requirements and deploy them effectively

Ability to encourage research culture in others.
Personal Attributes

Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative

Commitment to meeting deadlines

Commitment to maintaining and enhancing facilities and training others in their use

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/workshops and other meetings