Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
Group:
Mucosal Infection & Immunity
Division:
Infectious Diseases
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary Range:
£32,100 - £40,720 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:
2 years
Research Programme
.
This role, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is part of a larger project
aiming to rapidly identify and produce antigenic HIV-1 envelope constructs that are
more immunogenic than those used in the RV144 HIV-1 vaccine efficacy trial. This
work is targeted at bringing the most likely candidates forward for the next HIV-1
vaccine efficacy trial in order to speed the development of a safe and effective HIV-1
vaccine.
Job Summary
This project aims to identify the antibodies in blood and mucosal samples from HIV
vaccine trials that are candidates for correlates of protection, in addition to isolating
and characterising monoclonal antibodies using a variety of techniques. The
successful applicant will use a variety of molecular biology, immunological and other
techniques as appropriate to achieve milestones within a limited timeframe. The role
will involve working closely and cooperatively with talented and passionate
colleagues.
Research Duties
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To take initiative in the 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
To write reports for submission to funding bodies
To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
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To submit 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 comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations,
Equal Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and
Safety Policy, Information Systems Security Policy, 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
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.
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.
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).
Person Specification
Qualifications
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PhD in virology, immunology, molecular biology or a closely related field
Knowledge / Experience
Essential
 Experience of working in a Level III Containment laboratory.
 Applicant should have experience of culturing HIV and performing HIV
infectivity and neutralisation assays in cells and ex vivo tissue.
 Competency at performing ELISAs (development, standardisation,
optimisation).
 Applicant should be experienced 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.
 Experience in viral antibody capture assays, viral antibody aggregation
assays, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry.
Desirable
 experience of bioinformatics tools such as RasMol, and SwissProt
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. Previous experience of bioinformatics tools such as RasMol, and
SwissProt would be advantageous.
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.
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 HM2012116 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.