JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate
Division:
National Heart and Lung Institute
Section:
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Job Family:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary:
£32,750 - £41,540 per annum
Responsible to:
Professor Michael Lovett
Works Closely with:
Professor Michael Lovett, other sectional research, technical
and administrative staff.
Contract:
Full-time and fixed-term for 3 years
Location:
Royal Brompton Campus
Summary of Post:
You will be a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate with strong skills in
molecular biology and preferably some training in bioinformatics/computational biology. They
will work directly under the supervision of Professor Michael Lovett as part of a
multidisciplinary group focused upon developing and applying innovative, new genomic
technologies. The Lovett group and their collaborators have been the leaders in applying
genomic approaches to the regenerating sensory epithelia of the inner ear and to other
epithelial systems. The extensive datasets they have acquired include comprehensive
transcriptomics and enhancer maps of regenerating systems, as well as many large datasets
from different model organisms. You will join a team that are now employing insights from
these datasets to investigate regulatory networks by a combination of RNAi, RNA-seq and
single cell genomic analysis.
You will apply new methods for single cell genomic analysis (developed in the Lovett group)
to investigate subpopulations of cells within developing/regenerating epithelial cell types.
Initially, this will involve conducting mRNA-seq on very small cell numbers, such as
microdissected or FACs-sorted sensory hair cells of the inner ear. This will progress to
single cell analysis and to miRNA target capture techniques and may also include analysis of
epigenetic marks.



You will be expected to work on refining and applying novel cDNA methods for
analysing very small RNA samples
You will be expected to apply these methods to a wide range of biological samples
provided by collaborators and colleagues
You are expected to derive cDNA populations that are appropriate for Next Gen
DNA sequence analysis





You are expected to be responsible for the instruments in the laboratory that you
will be using, and to learn and apply any new techniques needed for successful
completion of the study
You are expected to collaborate closely with a network of investigators throughout
the UK and abroad and contribute to face-to-face meetings and monthly
teleconferences
You will be expected to acquire the basic computational skills necessary for data
analysis
You are expected to analyse the data acquired, and to present data to the research
group on a regular basis, and to departmental meetings
You are expected to submit publications to refereed journals and may be involved
in applications to attract external research funding
Key Responsibilities:
The main purpose of the post is to refine and apply novel single cell genomics methods and
apply them to understanding how different epithelial cell types are specified and maintained.
The techniques employed for the research will include:
 RNA/DNA isolation
 Molecular biology skills, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, RNAi etc.
 A range of novel cDNA methodologies
 The production of sequence-ready DNA libraries
 Some computational analysis of Next Gen sequence datasets
Research Duties:



















To take initiative in the planning of research
To familiarise with new techniques needed for project
To conduct data analysis
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To write reports for submission to research sponsors
To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
To submit publications to refereed journals
To provide guidance to staff and students
To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider
community
To promote the reputation of the group, the department and the College
To provide guidance to PhD Students
To maintain a highly organised and accurate record of experimental work
To actively participate in the research programme of the group
To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and
international meetings
To participate in group research meetings and internal seminars
To work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the
project demand
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 assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research
students and research assistants as required
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
Other Duties:



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 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
Qualification/Knowledge:
Essential


Educated to PhD level
Extensive knowledge of, and a strong interest in, molecular biology and genomics
methodologies and concepts
Experience:
Essential

Previous experience and high level of technical skill in molecular biology techniques:
RNA isolation and handling, mRNA preparation, cDNA methods, RNA interference in
primary cells
Desirable




Prior experience in the preparation of samples for RNA-sequence analysis by Next
Gen DNA sequencing
Some prior experience with genomic analysis software packages, such as Partek,
Ingenuity etc
Some experience in computer programming, particularly Perl, Python, R or Unix
A good record of current academic publications or publications in preparation
Skills/Abilities:
Essential








A high level of technical competence in molecular biology techniques, including the
extraction and handling of RNA/DNA and in cDNA synthesis
Exceptional organisational and time management skills
Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office and particularly of Microsoft Excel
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to follow protocols and learn new techniques in a concise and highly skilled
manner
Ability to work constructively and effectively within a research group
Ability to work autonomously, tenaciously and show initiative with research
Ability to prioritise a varied workload and work under pressure to meet deadlines,
while maintaining a high level of accuracy
Other requirements:


Active involvement with daily running and functioning of the laboratory
Individual must be prepared to work unsociable hours as work demands from time to
time