JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Research Technician
Institute:
National Heart and Lung Institute
Section:
Vascular Science
Job Family and Level:
Technical Services, Level 3a
Salary Range:
£28,770- £32,750 per annum
Responsible To:
Professor Gianni Angelini
Works closely with:
Professor Costanza Emanueli
Dr Francesca Fiorentino
Professor Ian Adcock
Miss Alima Rahman
Ms Danuta Mahiouz – Laboratory Manager
Dr. Dr Abas Laftah (Research Technician)
Contract:
Fixed-term for 12 months with an anticipated start date
of 1 December 2013
Location:
Hammersmith Campus
Summary of Post:
As Research Technician, you will provide technical support to Professor Gianni
Angelini and his team to conduct expressional and functional studies on clinical
samples and in vitro cellular models in the context of a new British Heart Foundation
clinical project. Under the overall direction and supervision of the line manager and
academic staff, you will gain experience and apply and extend your knowledge of
relevant laboratory techniques. In addition to research support, the duties include
limited administrative responsibilities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
You will be involved with:
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The storage and handling of clinical samples from patient cohorts
Carrying out molecular analyses in human blood and tissue samples and cultured
cells. This will require, but is not limited to extraction of RNA and protein,
quantitative PCR and western blot, ELISA, CHIP, RNA-sequencing, DNA
methylation profiling
Carrying out tissue culture, cell biology experiments and microscopy, including
using high throughput screening platforms
The handling and processing of data including using statistical analysis and
bioinformatics and liaising with statisticians and bioinformaticians
Providing 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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Coordinating and overseeing laboratory staff and students in the laboratories’
research procedures, record-keeping and the requisite health and safety, Home
Office and staff development training
Ensuring that all work done in the laboratory complies with the applicable
regulations concerning biohazards and human tissue use, and maintaining all
documentation relevant to the above Home Office and other requirements
Coordinating the purchase and invoicing of laboratory equipment and supplies
and liaise with administrative staff for laboratory budget guidelines, monitoring
and management
Recording and maintaining data and information, as relevant and appropriate
Contributing to the presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the
research community in general
Contributing to the preparation of grant reports and scientific publications
Carrying out any other duties which may arise commensurate with the grade of
the post as directed by the Head of Research Group
Other Duties:
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To promote compliance with health and safety regulations
To provide up-to-date technical expertise, advice and support to trainees at a
very high standard
You will play a key role in the laboratory’s research programme – please refer to the
links below for our current research programmes:
http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/nhli/cardio/vascular/cardiothoracic_surgery/
http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/people/g.d.angelini/
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
Education and Qualifications:
Essential
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A first degree or equivalent qualification in molecular biology or relevant
laboratory based experience
Desirable
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A degree with significant nucleic acid biology and bioinformatics components
Previous experience in the field of cardiovascular research and inflammation
Knowledge and Experience:
Essential
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Laboratory experience in the field of molecular and cellular biology
Practical experience with immunological techniques, flow cytometry,
microscopy, and RNA and protein analyses
Practical experience in the collection, preparation, processing and storage of
cells, tissues and biological fluids
Experience in cell biology
Experience of laboratory safety procedures, compliance with health and
safety protocols, and the application of these in the discharge of duties
Experience of using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Desirable
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Experience in some or all of the following techniques:
- DNA and RNA libraries preparations
- DNA, RNA and small-RNA sequencing
- CHIP-sequencing
- PARA-CLIP or HIT-CLIP
- Bioinformatic analyses
- Quantitative ELISA
- Western blotting
- Flow cytometry
Background in a similar (academic or industrial) work environment
Detailed knowledge of the procedures relevant to the work
Skills and Abilities:
Essential
 Excellent laboratory skills
 Excellent organisational skills
 Presentation skills (written and oral)
 Good interpersonal, organisational and supervisory skills
 Ability to work with limited supervision and keep meticulous records
 Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high degree of accuracy
 Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
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Proven skills at problem solving and overcoming obstacles
Ability to use own initiative and work independently and as part of a team, as
required
Proven ability to prioritise, plan ahead and manage a high volume of work to
meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed, and ensure that the
laboratory runs in an efficient manner and that work is carried out to agreed
timescales
Ability and willingness to adapt to changing timetables or work patterns as
dictated by changing circumstances
Flexible approach to working hours according to the requirements of the
technical procedures
Other Requirements:
Essential
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Willingness to assist in contributing to reports and preparation of results for
publication
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Flexible approach to working hours according to the requirements of the
technical procedures
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times