JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate
Division:
National Heart and Lung Institute
Section:
Myocardial Function
Job Family:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary:
£33,410 per annum
Responsible to:
Professor Steve Marston
Works Closely with:
Members of the Contractile proteins group
Funding:
British Heart Foundation
Contract:
Full-time and fixed-term until 31 December 2016
Location:
Hammersmith Campus
Research Programme
You will work on a British Heart-Foundation-funded collaborative Programme Grant that is
investigating the genotype-phenotype connections that cause inherited heart diseases at the
molecular level.
You will primarily investigate the functional and structural consequences of mutations in
sarcomeric proteins (particularly the giant proteins, titin and obscurin and the regulatory
proteins of the thin filament) that cause inherited heart diseases (Familial dilated
cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) working with human heart tissue. The
research will involve protein and RNA expression using multiple standard techniques,
measurements of contractility by several techniques, including in vitro motility assay and
single myofibril contractility, molecular biology and genetics
You will be a member of a team investigating a wide range of contractile, cytoskeletal and
regulatory protein abnormalities in cardiomyopathy and their functional consequences
You will have hands-on experience in basic cardiac muscle biochemistry and physiology and
be familiar with wet-lab based academic research, and have a track record of bio-research
related activities. You will be expected to offer an example of good laboratory practice,
setting/maintaining (and where necessary enforcing) a high level of standards for biomedical lab research.
Research Duties
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To assist in the implementation of BHF-funded research
To perform experiments with the aim to analyse the effects of functional and
structural consequences of mutations in giant sarcomeric proteins
To perform experiments with the aim to analyse the effects mutations and small
molecules on the modulation of Ca2+-sensitivity by TnI phosphorylation
To undertake wet-lab research
To lead responsibility for project planning, scheduling, and implementation and
independent preparation, execution, analysis, and interpretation of experiments
To assist with daily coordination of laboratory research activities within the group.
In this context, you will ensure good laboratory practice
To undertake literature searches and reviews in support of your work
To assist in preparing scientific papers for publication
To assist with the writing of reports to research sponsors
To work co-operatively as part of a multidisciplinary team and contribute to the
smooth running of the project
To contribute to other areas of work in the NHLI, if appropriate, including
presenting seminars on your work
To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision
To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work
To conduct data analysis, ensuring the validity and reliability of data at all times
To provide training and advice to research and technical staff and visiting
students, as dictated by the varying needs of the individuals
To contribute to the intellectual activities of the laboratory
To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories and, facilities with
other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the Section
To contribute to the preparation of scientific publications
To participate in Group research meetings and attendance/contribution at internal
and external seminars and meetings. To present findings to colleagues and
attend relevant workshops and conferences
To keep up-to-date with scientific advances in the field, including continuing
professional development
To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and elsewhere
in London and abroad, as appropriate
To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research
students and research assistants as required
To undertake any necessary training
To ensure maintenance of a clean, healthy working environment
To undertake appropriate administrative tasks
Any other duties which may arise commensurate with the grade of the post as
directed by the Head of Group
Other Duties
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant meetings
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
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
Engagements and Register of Interests, and Smoking.
Technology,
Private
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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Must have submitted or been awarded a PhD in Biochemistry or Physiology or a
related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
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Research capability demonstrated by publications
Demonstrable experience in measurements of muscle contractility
Hands-on knowledge of basic research methods relevant to analysis of DNA, RNA
and protein expression.
A thorough understanding of the molecular biology and genetics of
cardiomyopathies.
Practical expertise in data analysis and statistical procedures to support experimental
design and data interpretation
Knowledge of general wet-lab techniques, instrumentation, and maintenance
Previous experience in adhering to or implementing of good laboratory practice in a
research laboratory environment, either in academia or industry
Good understanding of health & safety regulations applicable to laboratory work
Desirable
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Experience with measuring contractility
Hands-on expertise in gel electrophoresis and western blotting
Good practical understanding of biochemistry and related laboratory techniques
Ability to critically review project progress, and to provide intellectual input into the
continued development of research
Thorough knowledge of, or willingness to learn, procurement procedures
Knowledge of scientific software including LabView and image J
Skills and Abilities
Essential
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Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Ability to work constructively and effectively within a small team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with particular emphasis on writing
succinctly for publication
Ability to critically analyse data and to interpret accurately
Creative approach to problem-solving
Computer literate including word processing, graphing programmes, e-mail, and
image analysis
Attention to detail
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Proven organisational skills and ability to plan ahead, set priorities and work to
deadlines
Ability and willingness to perform routine and non-routine tasks effectively and within
deadlines
Ability and willingness to adapt to changing timetables or work patterns as may be
dictated by changing circumstances.
Ability and willingness to use personal initiative to accomplish tasks in an efficient
and timely manner
Other Requirements
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Active involvement with daily running and functioning of the laboratory
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work