Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Technician
Section:
Investigative Medicine
Division:
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Technical Services, Level 2b
Salary Range:
£25,370 - £28,040 per annum
Responsible To:
Professor Sir Stephen Bloom
Working Relationships:
Other Research Technicians, post-doctoral researchers
and PhD students.
Location:
Hammersmith Campus
Contract:
Full time, fixed-term for three years in the first instance
Summary of Post
The Investigative Medicine Section is a laboratory at the forefront of endocrine
research, in particular the study of regulatory peptides in health and disease. The lab
is currently involved in research into obesity and appetite circuits. Techniques used
in this Section include molecular biology, immunohistochemistry radioimmunoassay,
receptor binding assays, cell culture and techniques for the study of whole in vivo
physiology.
You will primarily assist with all aspects of the Analogue peptides team. Your
responsibilities will include providing radioimmunoassay technical support for the
research conducted by the Section. Research programmes involve studying the
mechanisms controlling appetite under the overall direction and supervision of the
line manager, Professor Sir Stephen Bloom. You will gain experience and extend
your knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques. In addition to research support,
the duties include laboratory administrative responsibilities as commensurate with the
grade of the post.
Technical Duties






General laboratory administrative duties including ordering
Maintaining stock of routine supplies
Documentation and analysis of experimental data
Participation in local laboratory meetings
Ensuring good laboratory practice is in place
Assist with presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the
research community in general

Assist with preparation of grant reports and scientific publications
Other Duties




Some routine laboratory work (ie cleaning of equipment) is shared among the
members of the group. You will be expected to participate in this
To help maintain a highly efficient working laboratory
To undertake any necessary training as required
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of this post as directed by the
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
Personal Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential

A qualification in a relevant biological discipline or equivalent vocational
qualification or relevant laboratory based experience
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
 Experience in laboratory-based research and basic lab procedures
 Experience in collection, preparation, processing and/or storage of
specimens
 Experience in some or all of the following techniques:
- ELISA
- Western Blotting
- Cell Culture
 Practical experience with radioimmunoassay work
 Computer literacy using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
 Practical experience in the use of I125 in radioimmunoassay work
Desirable
 Background in a similar work environment
Skills and Abilities
Essential








Methodical approach
Close attention to detail
Good interpersonal and organisational skills
Good communication skills
Accuracy and dependability
Ability to work with limited supervision and keep meticulous records
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Ability to work constructively and effectively as part of a team
Personal Attributes





Flexible approach to working hours according to the requirements of the
technical procedures
Willingness to assist in contributing to reports and preparation of results for
publication
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to travel to different locations for work as needed
An open, flexible and positive approach to working in a constantly changing
environment

Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times