Post Title:
Division:
Section:
Job Family and Level:
Salary Range:
Research Assistant
National Heart and Lung Institute
Leukocyte Biology
Academic and Research, Level A
£28,770 to £31,880 per annum
Responsible To:
Works closely with:
Dr Mohammed Shamji, Research Fellow
Professor Stephen Durham’s research groups, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and clinical staff at the Royal
Brompton Hospital
Working Relationships: Internal Professor Stephen Durham’s research groups, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and clinical staff at the Royal Brompton Hospital
External - Interactions with external collaborators and sponsors, Home Office Inspector, Service Engineers,
Suppliers
Contract:
Location:
Full-time, fixed-term for three years
South Kensington Campus
Research Programme
This research programme is within the Allergy and Clinical Immunology group in the
Section of Leukocyte Biology and is led by Dr Mohamed Shamji. This MRC funded project is a translational research project that studies the mechanisms underlying acute allergic reactions to peanut. Peanut allergic adults will receive increasing doses of peanut to induce an allergic reaction. Biological samples (blood, urine, saliva) will be obtained at various time points and then analysed using a range of approaches
(flow cytometry, immunoassay, multiplex assays, mass spectrometry) to assess which mediators and inflammatory cells contribute to the allergic response, and how patterns in the biological response correlate with reaction severity. The objective is to define the key physiological events during a food allergic reaction and why some allergic individuals react with life-threatening anaphylaxis, while others have mild symptoms only.
Job Summary
The post is funded by MRC and will involve substantial collection and processing of serum, blood, urine and saliva then analysed using a range of approaches (flow cytometry, immunoassay, multiplex assays, mass spectrometry).

Main Duties
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To perform Flow cytometry, magnetic cell isolation, cell culture, ELISA, RT-
PCR, Western blotting on clinical blood samples obtained from allergic, nonallergic and allergen immunotherapy treated patients
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To develop further suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data (RT-PCR, flow cytometry, FluoroSPOT)
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To assist in development of in vivo murine models of allergic inflammation and test novel targets in these models
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To perform immunochemistry of nasal biopsies including dual and triple immunofluorescence and in situ hybridisation to study allergic inflammation, T cell subsets and the effects of immunotherapy
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To assist with the analysis of data
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To assist with the writing of reports to research sponsors
To present findings to colleagues
To provide advice to other staff and students
To assist with the publication of findings
To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
To develop contacts within the College and the wider community
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
Other Duties
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To assist with general laboratory activities
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant meetings
To assist Dr Shamji in practical/laboratory aspect of Respiratory BSc course
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line manager / supervisor

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
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A good first degree or equivalent – e.g. BSc / BA in life science or other appropriate discipline
Knowledge / Experience
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Knowledge of allergen immunotherapy and its application in allergic diseases and measurement of clinical readouts
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Knowledge of basic research methods and statistical procedures
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Knowledge of general laboratory practice, techniques and instrumentation
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Detailed knowledge of techniques of dual and triple immuno- histochemistry by use of fluorescence microscopy as applied to the nasal mucosa
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Previous experience of trials of allergen immunotherapy
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Previous experience in an academic research laboratory environment
Skills and Abilities
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Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
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Ability to develop and apply new concepts
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Creative approach to problem-solving
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Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people
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Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
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Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
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Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
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Advanced computer skills – including all microsoft packages and the Internet
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
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Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
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excellent organisational skills
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A meticulous approach and attention to detail
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Flexible attitude towards work
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Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
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Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to attend conferences