JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Division:
Department/Section:
Job Family:
Salary Range:
Responsible To:
Key Working Relationships:
(Internal)
Research Associate
National Heart and Lung Institute
Leukocyte Biology Section
£32,100 - £40,720 per annum
Professor Clare Lloyd
Academic and Research, Level B
Members of Professor Lloyd’s research group,
Leukocyte Biology administration, other academic staff, service departments.
Key Working Relationships:
(External)
Location:
Duration:
Funding Body:
Research programme
Research collaborators,
South Kensington Campus
Full time and fixed term for 18 months
Janssen Research and Development LLC
Current projects led by Professor Lloyd are investigating lung epithelial interactions with the immune system, and how these interactions are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. We use murine models to determine how inhaled allergen affects lung immune networks to delineate the mechanisms which determine whether allergen exposure leads to acute resolving inflammation or chronic inflammation and remodelling. This project will develop and characterise models of pathogen exacerbated allergen challenge, using fungi, bacteria, virus to mediate exacerbation of AHR. The mechanisms of exacerbation will be investigated by profiling cells infiltrating lung and lumen and effector cytokines.
See http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/people/c.lloyd/
Summary of the Post
This newly created post is funded by Janssen, and is based at Imperial College, South
Kensington Campus. You will be part of Professor Lloyd’s group within the Leukocyte
Biology Section. The work will involve a variety of in vivo and in vitro techniques to investigate how the role of cytokines in the development of the pulmonary immune response to allergen. You will assess the contribution of various mediators to the development of innate and adaptive immune responses in the lung following exposure to different allergen.
The role of key inflammatory and regulatory cells and the mediators that they produce will be
determined during the progression and resolution of airway remodelling in models of progressive lung disease. You will use systems well established in the group, but will have the freedom to develop novel systems to investigate the hypothesis.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
To be responsible for immunisations and measurement of lung function during murine models of allergic disease
To analyse samples isolated from allergic systems, and to prepare tissue, RNA and
DNA
To conduct cytokine assays, histological analysis, immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridisation, flow cytometry, in vitro culture of T cells and pulmonary cells, in vitro T cell polarisation. and regulatory T cell assays
To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision
To contribute to the design of future experiments
To maintain highly organised and accurate records of experimental work.
To conduct data analysis, ensuring the validity and reliability of data at all times
To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories and facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories
To participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars
To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and international meetings
To assist with the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required
Other responsibilities
To undertake appropriate administrative tasks
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line manager as well as Head of Group/Section.
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.
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LODNON
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:
Essential
PhD degree in Biological Sciences, ideally with a high immunology content, or equivalent industrial or commercial experience
Experience and Knowledge:
Essential
In depth knowledge of inflammation biology and immunology
Home office licence and experience in biosciences research
Experience at post-doctoral level in laboratory research in inflammation biology and immunology, with proven publications
Desirable
Experience with induction and analysis of allergic airways disease, and/or respiratory infections
Experience of the measurement of lung function in vivo
Experience in immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridisation, confocal microscopy, RNA and DNA preparation, flow cytometry, in vitro culture of T cells and pulmonary cells, in vitro T cell polarisation, and regulatory T cell assays.
Skills and Abilities:
Essential
Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
Ability to communicate well in writing, person to person, and in seminar or conference presentations
Ability to solve problems using innovative and flexible thinking
Ability to work autonomously and take responsibility
Ability to work proactively within an agreed programme
Ability to organise and prioritise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to work to tight deadlines
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to develop personal research projects
Willingness to have an active involvement with daily running and functioning of the laboratory
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to work unsociable hours as the work demands from time to time