JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Research Assistant
Division:
National Heart and Lung Institute
Section:
Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Job Family and Level:
Academic and Research, Level A
Salary Range:
£28,200 – £31,250 per annum
Responsible To:
Dr Mohamed Shamji, Senior Research Fellow
Works closely with:
Professor Stephen Durham’s research groups, the Allergy and Clinical
Immunology Department and clinical staff at the Royal Brompton
Hospital
Working Relationships:
Internal - Professor Stephen Durham’s research groups, the Allergy
and Clinical Immunology Department, and clinical staff at the Royal
Brompton Hospital
External - Interactions with external collaborators and sponsors, Home
Office Inspector, Service Engineers, Suppliers
Location:
South Kensington Campus
Contract:
Full time and fixed term until 30 April 2014
Research Programme
This research programme is within the Allergy and Clinical Immunology section and is led by
Professor Stephen Durham. It is a translational research project that studies the induction and
persistence of antigen specific tolerance in patients with severe hayfever treated with sublingual
immunotherapy for 2 years followed by a double blind withdrawal phase for 1 year. Patients (n=100)
are randomised 1:1:1 to receive active sublingual tablets (daily), active subcutaneous
immunotherapy (monthly injections, as positive control) and double-placebo (placebo tablets and
injections, as negative control.). In this large blinded trial the clinical response will be related to
changes in nasal fluid and biopsies obtained before/after nasal allergen challenge (performed at
baseline and at annual intervals).
Job Summary
The post is funded by the Immune Tolerance Network and will involve substantial collection and
processing of serum, blood and nasal fluid, and nasal biopsies both in and out the pollen season
and before and after nasal allergen challenges performed annually, commencing September 2011.
The post will also involve close liaison with clinical colleagues (nurses and clinical fellows and
laboratory technicians). The post involves a substantial commitment to the laboratory for
performance of serum (IgE-FAB assay), cellular (flow cytometry, T cell culture), and molecular
assays RT-PCR, Gene arrays) as well as immunohistochemistry on nasal biopsies.
Main Duties
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to perform flow cytometry, magnetic cell isolation, cell culture, ELISA, RT-PCR,
western blotting on clinical blood samples obtained from allergic, non-allergic and
allergen immunotherapy treated patients.
to develop further suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis
of data (RT-PCR, flow cytometry, FluoroSPOT)
to assist in the development of in vivo murine models of allergic inflammation and
test novel targets in these models.
to perform immunochemistry on nasal biopsies including dual and triple
immunofluorescence and in situ hybridisation to study allergic inflammation, T cell
subsets and the effects of immunotherapy
to assist with the analysis of data
to ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
to maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
to assist with the writing of reports to research sponsors
to present findings to colleagues
to provide advice to other staff and students
to assist with the publication of findings
to attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
to develop contacts within the College and the wider community
to promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
Other Duties
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to assist with general laboratory activities
to undertake any necessary training and/or development
to undertake appropriate administration tasks
to attend relevant meetings
to assist Dr Shamji in practical/laboratory aspect of Respiratory BSc course.
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.
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential
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A good first degree or equivalent in a life sciences subject or other appropriate discipline
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
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Knowledge of allergen immunotherapy, its application in allergic diseases and the
measurement of clinical readouts
Knowledge of basic research methods and statistical procedures
Knowledge of general laboratory practice, techniques and instrumentation
Detailed knowledge of techniques of dual and triple immunohistochemistry by use of
fluorescence microscopy as applied to the nasal mucosa
Experience of trials of allergen immunotherapy
Experience in an academic research laboratory environment
Skills and Abilities
Essential
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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
Advanced computer skills including Microsoft packages and the Internet
Excellent organisational skills
Strong attention to detail
Personal Attributes
Essential
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Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
A meticulous approach to work
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to attend conferences