Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Assistant
Group:
Mucosal Infection & Immunity
Division/Section:
Infectious Diseases
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Academic and Research, Level A
Salary Range:
£28,200 - £31,250 per annum
Responsible To:
Dr Alethea Cope and Professor Robin Shattock
Working Relationships:
Other members of the project research team and
research staff/students in the Infectious Diseases
Sections
Location:
St Mary’s Campus
Duration:
Full-time, fixed-term 20 months in the first instance
Research Programme:
The immunology core team provides immunogenicity assessment of pre-clinical and
clinical samples for a variety of vaccine modalities and regimens designed to prevent
transmission of HIV-1. The immunology core team aims to identify immune
responses elicited in the systemic and mucosal compartments as a result of
vaccination strategies designed within Professor Shattock’s Mucosal Discovery
Research Group in order to prevent HIV-1 transmission across mucosal surfaces.
The immunology core group uses a variety of immunological techniques and has
access to a designated GcLP category II lab and associated storage facility in order
to carry analysis to a high standard and quality.
Job Summary
These projects will focus on measuring both humoral and cellular immune responses
generated in pre-clinical models and phase I clinical trials as a result of a variety of
vaccination regimens. The successful applicants will use several immunological
techniques as appropriate to achieve milestones within a limited timeframe. The roles
will involve working closely and cooperatively with talented and passionate
colleagues.
Research Duties
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To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection
and analysis of data
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To conduct data analysis
To take initiative in the planning of experiments
To present findings to colleagues and at conferences as required
To participate in Group research meetings, journal clubs and internal
seminars
To provide advice to other staff and students
To attend relevant workshops, meetings and conferences as required
To submit publications to refereed journals
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if
required
To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and
elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories and facilities
with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the
laboratories
To comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend
courses on safety when appropriate
Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as
Head of Division/Department/Section
Other Duties
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To assist with general laboratory activities
To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant meetings
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager/supervisor
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.
Person Specification
Imperial Expectations
These are the 7 principles that Imperial leaders, managers and supervisors are
expected to follow:
1) Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2) Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3) Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4) Deliver positive outcomes
5) Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6) Support and develop staff to optimise talent
7) Work in a planned and managed way
Qualifications
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At least a BSc and preferably an MSc or equivalent in virology, immunology,
or a related field
Knowledge / Experience
Essential
 Competency at performing ELISAs and ELiSPOT assays (development,
standardisation, optimisation).
 Competency in tissue culture and cell separation techniques including PBMC
and serum isolations from human blood samples
 Competency and safe handling of pre-clinical and human clinical samples
Experience with flow cytometry preparation and analysis of samples
 Experience of working in a Level II Containment laboratory
 Knowledge of word processing, data analysis, and data presentation software
are also required
 Experience working in a regulated environment
Desirable
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 Experience with tissue sample preparation, immunohistochemistry and
fluorescent microscopy
 Experience of working to GcLP standard
 An understanding and experience of software such as FACSDiva and FlowJo,
Modfit etc.
Skills and Abilities
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Ability to perform analysis of experimental data and keep accurate and
detailed records of experiments
Ability to organise and prioritise own work with minimal supervision and in
respond to deadlines
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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
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Creative approach to problem-solving and ability to manage own work
Advanced computer skills, including experimental data analysis and
presentation
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to work as part of a team and independently and to be openminded and cooperative
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Flexible attitude towards work
Willingness to travel to conduct research and attend conferences and
meetings if required.
Application Guidance
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your
application, how much you feel you meet each of the criteria. If you need more
space, please attach additional sheets to the application form.
The recruitment monitoring section of your application will be detached and will be
used only for monitoring and audit purposes as a basis for supporting our
commitment to Equal Opportunities.
An application form and full CV quoting reference number HM2013069 should be
sent, online via the Imperial College iRecruitment website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.