Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Assistant
Group:
Mucosal Infection & Immunity
Division:
Infectious Diseases
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Academic & Research, Level A
Salary Range:
£27,400 - £30,450 per annum
Responsible To:
Dr John Tregoning (Non-clinical lecturer)
Working Relationships:
Internal – members of Dr Tregoning’s and Professor
Shattock’s groups within Mucosal Infection and
Immunity.
External – members of the Exgenomes consortium,
staff at Touchlight Genetics
Location:
St Mary’s Campus
Duration:
Full time and fixed-term for 16 months.
Research Programme
Dr Tregoning’s group works on pre-clinical vaccine development for childhood
infections. We are particularly interested in controlling respiratory infections. To
achieve this we use a number of in vitro and in vivo models of vaccination and
infection.
Job Summary
The post will be supported by a grant funded by the EU FP7 project ‘Exgenomes’.
The aim of the project is to develop and test DNA vaccines using Touchlight Genetics
(a biotech startup with whom we collaborate) methods. The project uses a variety of
immunology, imaging, cell and molecular biology and biochemical techniques. Under
the overall direction and supervision of Dr Tregoning, you will apply and extend your
knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques.
Research Duties
Under the direction of the line manager, you will be involved in:






Planning and executing experiments
Developing technical expertise and carry out a range of research techniques
to time and quality standards.
Completing and passing an animal training course and obtaining a Home
Office personal licence, if not a current licence holder.
Documenting and analysing experimental data
Participating in local laboratory meetings
Ensuring good laboratory practice is in place
Administrative Duties


General laboratory administrative duties including ordering
To help maintain a highly efficient working laboratory
Other Duties









To attend relevant meetings
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To assist with presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the
research community in general
To assist with preparation of grant reports and scientific publications
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if
required
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager/supervisor
To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and
elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
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

A BSc or equivalent in virology, immunology, or a related field
Knowledge / Experience
Essential



Experience in laboratory-based research
Knowledge of general laboratory practice, techniques and instrumentation
Basic computing skills and experience of using statistical software
Desirable

Experience in some or all of the following techniques:
-

Cell Culture
Molecular biology
In vivo murine models
ELISA
Background in a similar work environment
Training will be provided as necessary
Skills and Abilities:








Methodical approach and close attention to detail
Good organisational skills
Ability to work with limited supervision
Ability to keep meticulous records
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Proven problem solving skills
Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Personal Attributes








Willingness to work independently and within a team
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/meetings.
Willingness to assist in contributing to reports and publications
Good interpersonal skills, open-minded and co-operative
Willingness to work with in vivo animal models
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 HM2012052 should be
sent, 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.