Job Description
Job Title
Research Associate in Diagnostic Applications of Microfluidic
Protein Analysis
Department /
Section
Chemistry, Chemical Biology Centre
Medicine/Immunology
Location
South Kensington Campus
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital Campus
Reporting To
Professor David Klug, Dr Peter Kelleher
Working Closely
Professor Keith Willison (ICR), Dr Panagiotis Pantelidis (Chelsea &
Westminster, IC), Dr Graham Taylor (St. Mary’s, IC)
With
Salary Level
Research and Education level B
Working Hours
Not normally less than 35 hours per week
Open / Fixed-Term
18 months (with possibility of 6 month extension)
Summary of the Post
We are seeking an experienced research associate with a background in life sciences,
(protein chemistry, monoclonal antibodies etc) and strong technological ability to work on a
project using already established in-house optical and microfluidic tools for the point of care
(POC) detection of Neisseria Gonorrhoea. The test will be validated in a clinical setting and as
such the applicant will work closely with biochemists, physicists, chemists, immunologists,
microbiologists and clinicians. This will require the holder of this position to undertake a
series of studies with researchers at Imperial College and with our collaborating partners at
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. In addition, the successful candidate will be part
of the Single Cell Proteomics Project of the Chemical Biology Centre
(www.chemicalbiology.ac.uk) and will help to supervise students and be involved in
writing papers and grants. This is a pilot study to demonstrate the utility of
established microfluidic and optical technology for diagnostic tests in general and is
expected to be the first in a family of such diagnostic applications.
Research Duties
The aim of this project is the identification and clinical validation of highly specific
monoclonal antibodies that can be applied on our existing microfluidics platform for POC
detection of Neisseria Gonorrhoea. As such, expected research activities will include:
-
Testing of chosen antibodies on microfluidic chips
testing of samples spiked with N G protein on microfluidic chips
Development of diagnostic protocols
Measurement of NG clinical samples on microfluidic chips
to take initiatives in the planning of research
to work as part of the team
to identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and
analysis of data
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
Other Duties
-
-
to undertake appropriate administration tasks
to attend relevant meetings
to comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations, Equal
Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and Safety Policy,
Information Systems Security Policy and Intellectual Property Rights and Register of
Interests Policies
to undertake any necessary training and/or development
any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager / supervisor
Imperial College London is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principals set out in its Equal
Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and Disability Policy
and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
Since job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the post holder may be required to undertake
other duties that are broadly in line with the above major activities and key
responsibilities.
Person Specification
Research Associate in Microfluidic Protein Analysis for
Job Title
Diagnostic Applications
Department /
Section
Chemistry, Chemical Biology Centre
Medicine/Immunology,
Location
South Kensington Campus
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital Campus
Qualifications
PhD in life sciences, chemical biology, biochemistry, immunology or a closely related
discipline or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
Knowledge / Experience
-
-
A background in at least one of the following areas is required: chemical
biology, biology, or immunology
Proven ability in more than one of the following areas: , handling and
processing patient samples, cellular and molecular assays, protein
chemistry and monoclonal antibodies
Experience with multidisciplinary research and practical experience of working
as part of a research team.
Experience of undertaking proof-of-concept studies and collaborative
experiments
Maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
Experience of producing biological and biomedically relevant data
Skills and Abilities
-
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
ability to develop and apply new concepts
creative approach to problem-solving
excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of
people
excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to
produce a high standard of work
ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the
Internet
ability to work to deadlines
Personal Attributes
-
Interest in multidisciplinary research
Interest in the application of physical techniques to the solution of biological
problems
Interest in biological problems
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
flexible attitude towards work
discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and attend conferences