IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Technician (SM207/09)
Department:
Surgery and Cancer
Division:
Cancer
Job Family / Level: Technical Services, Level 3a
Salary Range:
£26,720 - £27,430 per annum
Responsible to:
Professor R. Brown and Dr J. Flanagan
Contract:
Full time for a fixed-term of two years
Location:
Hammersmith Hospital campus, East Acton
Summary of Post:
The post will be held within the Epigenetics section of the Division of Cancer and the holder
will be jointly supervised by Dr Flanagan and Professor Brown. The post holder will work on
DNA methylation profiling from samples of ovarian cancer patients as part of a Cancer
Research UK funded study. The primary objective of the study is to examine association
between clinical outcome and methylation of candidate loci predicted to show intra-individual
variation in methylation or which are of particular relevance for ovarian cancer. This will be
examined by bisulphite pyrosequencing of peripheral blood DNAs from ovarian cancer
patients. There is a secondary exploratory objective using Differential Methylation
Hybridisation of a customised microarray to identify novel variably methylated loci in ovarian
cancer. DNA from ovarian cancer patients will be compared to age-matched unaffected
controls using a 60K customised array that will focus on loci implicated in clinical outcome in
ovarian cancer patients.
Major Activities and Responsibilities:
You will be primarily responsible for carrying out a range of DNA methylation analysis
including bisulphite pyrosequencing and Differential Methylation Hybridisation under the
supervision of Professor Brown and Dr Flanagan.
You will be responsible for:
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taking an active role in project planning, design of methylation assays and technical
problem solving
coordination of collection and processing of patient and DNA samples
analysis of samples by bisulphite pyrosequencing and related methodologies
routine maintenance of the Pyrosequencer and quality control reactions
preparing samples for differential methylation hybridization
coordination of samples and analysis with colleagues and external partners
the daily planning, execution and documentation of experimental work;
implementing new technologies into the laboratory to increase throughput and scope of
research
active participation in laboratory meetings
preparation of scientific data to be presented at internal and external meetings in
relation to the project
contribution to the intellectual life of the laboratory and the Division, as appropriate
assistance with figures for manuscripts for publication
organisation and participation in laboratory rotas for technical support duties in the
Epigenetics Section
obtaining the necessary safety training required for general laboratory safety/good
practice, working with radioactive materials and handling genetically modified
organisms if required
familiarising yourself with the electronic ICIS ordering system;
to keep up to date with technical advances and progress in relevant research areas
assisting with COSHH risk assessments; and
you may also be expected to offer support to other colleagues by providing advice
and/or supervision (eg of undergraduate or M.Sc. projects as required).
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Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and so the post holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
The post holder is expected to observe and comply with all College policies and
regulations, for example Health and Safety, Data Protection etc.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination.
All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in our Equal Opportunities
in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and Disability Policy and all other
relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications:
Essential
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Degree in Biological Science (preferably Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/ Biophysics/
Cell Biology) or equivalent research.
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
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Experience in methods of analysis of DNA methylation or DNA sequence analysis
Good working knowledge of current concepts in eukaryotic gene expression
mechanisms at an advanced level.
Proven laboratory experience.
Desirable
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Experience in pyrosequencing methods of analysis of DNA methylation or DNA
sequence analysis.
Experience of clinical studies of biomarkers.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
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Proactive, capable of initiating ideas / problem solving.
Well developed interpersonal skills.
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Capable of prioritising the work load to meet deadlines.
Well organised and able to work under pressure, while maintaining a positive
approach to work and relationship with others.
Willing to provide training and assistance to others.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
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.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.