JOB DESCRIPTION
Post:
Research Assistant – Microbiology and Immunology
Group:
Clinical Sciences Department
Responsible to:
Senior Lecturer in Respiratory, Immunology & Vaccinology
Summary of role:
To work as part of a team investigating microbiological and immunological responses of
healthy adults inoculated with live pneumococcus. The successful candidate will provide
assistance to research scientists working on this project.
Main duties and responsibilities:
1. Contribute to the development and delivery of laboratory based research activities
of the Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage project, including the
following:
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Processing and storage of human samples following good laboratory practice
(GLP) and good clinical practice (GCP)
Microbiological analysis of human nasal samples
Perform opsonophagocytic killing assays
Maintenance of bacterial cultures
Communicate well with the clinical and laboratory teams to ensure logistics of
sample collection and processing
Liaise with commercial and academic partners to ensure appropriate records of
sample processing, storage and shipment of samples
2. Preparation to the highest possible standard of microbiological cultures for human
challenge studies:
 Growth of pneumococcal cultures and preparation of frozen stocks for human
inoculation following GLP standards
 Ensure absolute sterility and purity of cultures and stocks
 Ensure antimicrobial sensitivity prior to use of these stocks for inoculation
 Comply with MHRA standards and scrutiny if required
3. Excellent GLP compliance, laboratory record keeping including lab book, Human
Tissue Authority (HTA) records, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements
for biosafety and all LSTM Standard Operation Procedures:
 Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample
processing details, results and risk assessments
4. Undertake laboratory supervisory duties as required, ensuring maintenance and
preparation of equipment and supplies:
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Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details,
results and risk assessments
Responsible for the maintenance and running of laboratory equipment
associated with cell culture and bioanalysis
Liaise with suppliers, order laboratory equipment and consumables
Provide assistance to research scientists working on the project
Assist with general laboratory maintenance
5. Assist with and participate in the production and dissemination of research
outputs:
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To prepare and effectively communicate laboratory results to other members of
the group at project meetings
Ensure the accurate communication of methodologies and data to other
members of the group.
To contribute research ideas and to actively participate in the planning of the
research activity
Take part in the preparation and writing of scientific reports and peer-reviewed
publications for the scientific community
6. Other duties:
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Prioritisation of own work on a day-to-day basis against pre-set deadlines
Responsible for working in a safe manner adhering to local and legal
requirements.
Carry out such other duties applicable to the level of the role
7. PERSON SPECIFICATION
8. Research Assistant – Microbiology and Mucosal Immunology
Criteria
Education &
Training
Experience
Skills &
Abilities
Competency’s
BSc in a Biological Science such as
Microbiology, Biochemistry or Pharmacology
Essential /
Desirable
Assessm
ent
E
MSc in a Biological Science such as
Microbiology, Biochemistry or Pharmacology
D
Growing and handling of microbial cultures
E
Identifying and monitoring micro-organisms
by culture
E
PBMC isolation or Cell culture experience
D
Real-time quantitative PCR
D
Relevant experience of working within a
research laboratory
E
Maintenance of laboratory data, book and
record keeping.
E
Experience of working to health and safety
regulations and legal requirements
E
Research experience in the use of quantitative
research methods, including data collection
and analysis.
E
Experience of drafting/writing scientific
reports
D
Excellent verbal, written, communication and
presentation skills, with the ability to
communicate at all levels.
E
Excellent organisational skills.
E
Ability to liaise
with suppliers, order
laboratory equipment and consumables
E
Skill in basic cell biology (aseptic techniques),
biochemistry, analytical, bioanalysis and/or
tissue culture.
E
Skills in data analysis and statistics
D
Willingness to work as an integral and
cooperative member of a multi-disciplinary,
multinational research team
E
Application
Form/CV
Application
Form,
Assessment
and
Interview
Assessment
and
Interview
Flexible attitude to work
E
Excellent academic writing skills
D
Knowledge
Special
aptitude
Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise own
work.
E
Knowledge of microbiology
E
Computer literate with knowledge of
Microsoft Office applications
E
Knowledge of safety regulations such as
Human Tissue Authority.
E
Statistical analysis
D
Working with limited supervision.
E
Show initiative and work independently where
appropriate
E
Enthusiastic approach to work
E
Ability to work in close collaboration with
colleagues
E
Assessment
and
Interview
Assessment
and
Interview