JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Division :
Section :
Research Technician
National Heart and Lung Institute
Airway Disease
Job Family and Level:
Salary Range:
Responsible to :
Works Closely with :
Technical Services, Level 3a
£28,770 - £32,750 per annum
Dr Nicolas Mercado
Professor Peter J Barnes, Professor Ian Adcock and members of the Airway Disease Section
Contract:
Funding:
Location :
Summary of Post:
Full-time, fixed term until 30 June 2016
Wellcome Trust
Royal Brompton Campus
This is a post for an enthusiastic Research Technician with an interest in respiratory disease and/or molecular pharmacology. It is funded by the Wellcome Trust until 30 June 2016. The aim of the project is to investigate the molecular basis of chronic inflammation and corticosteroid insensitivity in COPD. The post has a specific focus on acetylation and methylation of histone and non-histone proteins in the control of anti-oxidant responses. You will work under the supervision of Dr Nicolas Mercado, Professor Peter Barnes and
Professor Ian Adcock. You will liaise with others within the research group. The position will principally be laboratory based however you may also be required to arrange the collection and analysis of clinical samples.
Key Responsibilities:

Assist with in vitro experiments using primary human cells
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Assist in performing standard cell and molecular techniques including Western blotting, immunoprecipitations and RT-QPCR. All techniques are currently set up within the department and all necessary training will be provided
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Provide full laboratory management assistance to the Head of
Section/Department/Group, i.e., day-to-day coordination and running of the laboratory including supervisory responsibilities for laboratory staff and students
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Communicate and liaise with departmental technicians, lab services and the safety office regarding equipment failure or other issues within the laboratory
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Coordinate the purchase and invoicing of laboratory equipment and supplies and liaise with administrative staff for laboratory budget guidelines, monitoring and management

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Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of data using various statistical packages and report this information to the supervisors and research group
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Advise and assist PhD and academic visitors on the use of equipment and the design and application of various molecular protocols
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Provide up-to-date technical expertise, advice and support to a very high standard
 Coordinate and oversee laboratory staff and students in the laboratories’ research procedures, record-keeping and the requisite health and safety and staff development training
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Ensure that all work done in the laboratory complies with the applicable regulations
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Record and maintain data and information, as relevant and appropriate
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Contribute to the presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the research community in general
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Contribute to the preparation of grant reports and scientific publications
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

A BSc in a biological subject or related field, or equivalent vocational qualification
Knowledge and Experience:
Essential

Previous experience of COPD disease models
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Previous experience in the culture of primary human cells
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Previous experience in airway phamacology
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Previous experience working in a laboratory environment
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Experience in some cell and molecular techniques and cell culture
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Good working knowledge of Microsoft packages and statistical packages (Prism,
SPSS)
Desirable

Research experience in respiratory disease and/or pharmacology

Knowledge and experience of in vivo models of airways disease
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Experience with submitting applications for Ethics approval
Skills and Abilities:
Essential

Creative approach to problem solving
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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Ability to follow instructions/protocols carefully asking for guidance when needed
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Abiltity to work with minimal supervision and show initiative
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Exemplary organisational and time management skills
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Ability to work constructively and effectively within a small team
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Good attention to detail and record keeping
Other requirements:

Be prepared to work unsociable hours as work demands from time to time