Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
Section:
Centre for Neurosciences
Division:
Experimental Medicine
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Research and Education, Level B
Salary Range:
£26,720 - £30,520 per annum
Responsible To:
Dr Federico Turkheimer, Professor Roger Gunn
(GlaxoSmithKline)
Works Closely With:
Dr Federico Roncaroli, Dr Lula Rosso (CSC), Dr
Subrata Bose (CSC)
Working Relationships:
Dr Federico Turkheimer
Professor Roger Gunn
Professor Paul Matthews
Professor David Brooks
Professor Paola Piccini
Funding:
Medical Research Council
Location:
Hammersmith Campus, within the GlaxoSmithKline
Clinical Imaging Centre, the C3NL (Cognitive, Clinical,
Computing Neuroscience Lab, 3rd Floor Burlington
Danes Bldg.), the CSC PET-Methodology Group,
Cyclotron Building.
Duration:
47 months
Project Title:
MRC Collaborative Training Programme for NeuroPET
Job Summary
Background
Data analysis for neuroPET demands specially trained methodologists with a broad
exposure to the problems, technologies and applications of the fields involved. The
development of analytical techniques for the quantification of radiotracers involves
not only a basic understanding of bio-chemical properties of the compounds, good
understanding of the physics of the detection systems and of the corrections,
reconstruction and post-processing techniques but also of the underlying
neuropharmacology, the kinetic modelling of the data and the statistical tools for
analysis and design. With support from the MRC, we have established a pilot
advanced neuroPET methodology training programme between the two centres for
molecular imaging present on Hammersmith Campus. The programme is aimed at a
post-doctoral methodologist with the potential to become a leader in the field.
The training programme joins the GSK Clinical Imaging Centre (CIC), the MRC
Clinical Sciences Unit (CSC) and Imperial College to create a unique industryacademic training environment. The training programme is highly interdisciplinary,
personalised and designed to provide a supported transition to independence in
either an industrial or academic environment.
This training programme will involve both partners to provide foundation skills for
PET methodology (two years) and a period of mentored independent research for
methodology development and validation (final years). Core methodology work will
be supplemented by exposure to pre-clinical work and advanced molecular modelling
techniques.
A two year foundation training period will provide the Research Associate with skills
necessary to function to a high level within methodology/computational environment
for human PET. For this, a personalised training plan will be established for the
Research Associate who will be assigned two training mentors, one from within the
CIC and one from Imperial, who will provide practical guidance on a day-to-day
basis. During these first two foundation years based on the Hammersmith Hospital
campus, the Research Associate will be expected to work as part of teams for
activities related to each of the major aspects of PET Methodology. Shorter periods
of rotation through radiotracer biology (neuropharmacology), neuropathology and
preclinical imaging, will be part of this. The Research Associate will be familiarised
with regulatory and compliance issues relevant to neuroPET and will have frequent
opportunities to participate directly in clinical scanning operations.
The programme thus will provide trainees with:
 A foundation in practical skills in experimental design and data-analysis for
neuroPET
 Mentored support for transition to an independent development programme in
neuroPET.
In the course of this work, evidence for satisfactory skill development will be
expected, timely and appropriate completion of responsibilities in teams during
rotations and progress in agreed research in analysis. In addition, he/she will be
expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to begin to attract external
research funding no later than the final year of the programme.
Research and Training Duties
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To participate fully as a member of PET-Methodology research when required
To ensure good understanding of principles of PET experimental design and
data-analysis and to apply these as needed in daily activities
With activities as part of larger teams, to ensure appropriate technology,
software and analysis protocols, as dictated by the demands of the activities
In preparing and implementing individual projects, to identify and develop
suitable techniques, for the collection and analysis of data
To conduct data analysis
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all activities and findings
To write reports for submission to research sponsors
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To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
To submit publications to refereed journals
To provide guidance to other staff or students when required
To make all reasonable efforts to participate in training rotations at sites of the
Hammersmith Hospital campus, as agreed with mentors
To develop contacts and research collaborations within analysis and the
wider international PET community
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
To contribute to evaluation and planning for possible new industry projects or
bids for research grants that may from time to time be organised
To conduct and plan their own scientific work with appropriate supervision.
To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and
international meetings.
To participate in Group/Unit research meetings and internal seminars.
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the
requirements of the project demand.
To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s/Unit’s laboratories and,
facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the
laboratories.
To comply with GSK, College, Division, and Unit regulatory and safety
practices and to attend courses on the regulatory framework for activities and
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 that may be agreed
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
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager/supervisor
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.
The post holder is expected to observe and comply with all College policies
and regulations, for example Health and Safety, Data Protection etc.
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
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PhD in mathematics, physics, electronic engineering, computing or a closely
related discipline
Knowledge / Experience
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Knowledge and practical experience of computational approaches applied to
biological systems
Practical experience of signal/image processing, mathematical modelling,
molecular simulation
Knowledge of basic concepts in statistical inference and practical experience
of statistical analysis of biological data
Knowledge and practical experience of software production for data analysis
Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in
relevant and refereed journals
Understanding of radiation risks and principles for safe handling
Computer literate with a very good knowledge of different languages (C, C++,
Matlab preferably)
Skills and Abilities
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Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
Ability to function as part of a well-coordinated team, working under pressure
to tight deadline
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Creative approach to problem-solving
Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate
technical material to non-technical audiences
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
Excellent computing skills, including computer/system administration
Personal Attributes
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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
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 HM2010036 should be
sent, by the closing date of 31 March 2010, online via the Imperial College
iRecruitment website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thanks you for your interesting this post. We look forward to receiving your
application.