Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Assistant
Group:
Mucosal Infection & Immunity
Division/Section:
Infectious Diseases
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Academic and Research, Level A
Salary Range:
£27,400 - £30,450 per annum
Responsible To:
Dr Alethea Cope and Professor Robin Shattock
Working Relationships:
Other members of the project research team and
research staff/students in the Infectious Diseases
Sections
Location:
St Mary’s campus
Duration:
6 months
Research Programme
The immunology core team provides immunogenicity assessment of pre-clinical and
clinical samples for a variety of vaccine modalities and regimens designed to prevent
transmission of HIV-1. The immunology core team aims to identify immune
responses elicited in the systemic and mucosal compartments as a result of
vaccination strategies designed within Professor Shattock’s Mucosal Discovery
Research Group in order to prevent HIV-1 transmission across mucosal surfaces.
The immunology core group uses a variety of immunological techniques and has
access to a designated GcLP category II lab and associated storage facility in order
to carry analysis to a high standard and quality.
Job Summary
This project will focus on measuring both humoral and cellular immune responses
generated in pre-clinical models and phase I clinical trials as a result of a variety of
vaccination regimens. The successful applicant will use several immunological
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 ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To conduct data analysis
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To take initiative in the planning of research
To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
To participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars
To attend relevant workshops, meetings and conferences as required
To submit publications to refereed journals
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if
required
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 undertake any necessary training and/or development
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
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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A BSc or equivalent in virology, immunology, or a related field
Knowledge / Experience
Essential
 Competency at performing ELISAs and ELiSPOT (development,
standardisation, optimisation).
 Competency in tissue culture and cell separation techniques including PBMC
isolations
 Competency and safe handling of pre-clinical and human clinical samples
Experience with FACs preparation and analysis of samples
 Experience of working in a Level II Containment laboratory
 Knowledge of word processing, data analysis, and data presentation software
are also required
Desirable
 Experience with tissue sample preparation, immunohistochemistry and
fluorescent microscopy
 Experience of working to GcLP standard
 An understanding of software such as FACSDiva and FlowJo
Skills and Abilities
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Ability to perform analysis of experimental data and keep accurate and
detailed records of experiments
Ability to organise and prioritise own work with minimal supervision and in
response to deadlines
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
Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Creative approach to problem-solving
Advanced computer skills, including experimental data analysis and
presentation
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to work as part of a team and independently and to be openminded and cooperative
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Flexible attitude towards work
Willingness to travel 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 HM2012001 should be
sent, by the closing date of 18 January 2012, online via the Imperial College
iRecruitment website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.