MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology
Research Assistant
UCL Grade 6/6B – £26,976 to £32,471 (inclusive) per annum
The Acton lab based at the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, UCL is
pleased to announce a call for applications for a research assistant to join the group.
Available from March/April 2016, the post is offered for a period of three years in the
first instance. Salary is on UCL grade 6 and will be commensurate with skills and
experience. This position combines both lab management and conducting
experiments.
The Acton lab studies stromal/leukocyte interactions combining cell biology, image
analysis and in vivo studies to investigate control of lymphoid tissue dynamics and
anti-tumour immunity. Projects in the lab include investigating the mechanisms of
lymph node expansion during inflammation, the communication between leukocytes
and fibroblastic stroma in tumour microenvironments and the regulation function
controlled by mechanical tension.
Recent relevant publications:
Acton S.E*., Farrugia A.J., Astarita J.L., Mourão-Sá D., Jenkins R.P., Nye E., Hooper S., van
Blijswijk J., Rogers N.C., Snelgrove K.J., Rosewell I., Moita L.F., Stamp G., Turley S.J., Sahai
E., Reis e Sousa C. CLEC-2+ Dendritic Cells Control Fibroblastic Reticular Network Tension
and Lymph Node Expansion. Nature 2014 514, 498–502
Fletcher A.L., Acton S.E., and Knoblich K. Lymph node fibroblastic reticular cells in health and
disease. Nature Reviews Immunology 2015 15, 350–361
Acton S.E., Astarita J.L., Malhotra D., Lukacs-Kornek V., Franz B., Hess P.R., Jakus Z.,
Kuligowski M., Fletcher A.L., Elpek K.G., Bellemare-Pelletier A., Sceats L., Reynoso E.D.,
Gonzalez S.F., Graham D.B., Chang J., Peters A., Woodruff M., Kim Y.A., Swat W., Morita T.,
Kuchroo V., Carroll M.C., Kahn M.L., Wucherpfennig K.W., Turley S.J. Podoplanin-Rich
Stromal Networks Induce Dendritic Cell Motility via Activation of the C-type Lectin Receptor
CLEC-2. Immunity. 2012 37(2):276-89
Candidates should possess a BSc degree in biological or medical sciences, and
have practical laboratory experience. In particular, experience including mammalian
cell culture, flow cytometry, and microscopy is highly desirable. Experience of in vivo
experiments will also be advantageous.
A job description, person specification and the online application form are available
at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs. This site offers details of the application process.
If you have queries regarding the position please contact Dr Sophie Acton
(sophie.acton@crick.ac.uk).
Closing date: 4 weeks from date of publication
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology
Job Description
Job Title :
Research Assistant
Department :
MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology
Reports to :
Sophie Acton
Grade:
Grade6/6B (dependent on experience)
Start date :
The position is available Spring 2016 and is offered for 3 years
in the first instance.
Main Purpose
The post holder will be required to work with the P.I. Sophie Acton and a post-doc to
develop projects understanding the interactions and communication between
fibroblastic stroma and leukocytes which control immune responses and the
progression of tumours.
Duties and Responsibilities










To set up and run experiments in consultation with Sophie Acton
To record, analyse and write up results of both failed and successful
experiments in a thorough and organised manner
To maintain a lab record of work done, an indexed list of protocols, reagents
and data, through searchable databases.
To prepare and present data to colleagues in regular lab meetings
To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as
required
To contribute to the induction and training of other research staff and students
as requested
To be responsible for ensuring that equipment is safe and maintained in
working order
To be responsible for the ordering of reagents and equipment as requested
by the P.I.
Maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health and Safety
regulations
As duties and responsibilities change the job description will be reviewed and
amended in consultation with the post holder
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology
Person Specification for the Post of Research Assistant
Knowledge – including qualifications
Essential
 To hold or to be working towards a degree in biological or biomedical science
or related discipline
 Has a good understanding of cell biology and/or immunology
Desirable
 A level or equivalent in mathematics
 Home office licence modules 1-4
Skills
Essential
 Basic research skills
 Ability to analyse and write up data
 Ability to present information effectively
 Ability to communicate research verbally to individuals and groups
 Ability to understand complex biological processes
 Ability to write a dissertation
 Ability to learn quickly and work independently
Experience
Essential
 Experience of working independently and as part of a team
 Experience of following complex instructions and learning new skills quickly
Desirable
 Experience of mammalian cell culture
 Experience of flow cytometry
 Experience of fluorescence microscopy
 In vivo experiments including simple surgery techniques
 Training others
Personal Qualities
Essential
 Intelligent and keen to learn new skills
 Well organised
 Responsible
 Hard working
 Commitment to UCL’s policy of equal opportunities and the ability to work
harmoniously with colleagues of all cultures and backgrounds