Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
Section:
Neuroscience/ Neuropathology Unit
Division:
Experimental Medicine
Department:
Medicine
Job family and level:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary Range:
£27,400 - £33,920 per annum
Responsible to:
Dr Federico Roncaroli
Works closely with:
Professor Federico Turkheimer, Dr Nelofer
Syed
Working relationships:
Staff of the Neuropathology Unit and staff of
Centre for Neuroscience
Funding:
European Community FP7 Grant
Location:
Charing Cross and Hammersmith campuses
Duration:
Five years
Project Title:
Neuroimaging
of
neuroinflammation
neurodegenerative diseases
in
Research Project
The project is part of a large international, multi-centre study that aims to unveil the
key mechanisms of neuroinflammation and its role in causing and promoting
neurodegeneration in a variety of conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease,
Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
The project is mainly focuses on neuroimaging of patients with neurodegenerative
diseases and animal models.
Within section W8, our project will look at the biological mechanisms of
neuroinflammation by investigating the function of pro-inflammatory molecules such
as the mitochondrial translocator protein.
Job Summary
The post is funded by the Consortium InMIND to investigate the role of microglial
activation in neurodegenerative conditions.
The work will include cell culture models with human and murine microglia,
experiments of gene transfection and knock-down, analysis of RNA, DNA and
proteins, analysis of metabolic pathways following knock-down or transfection of
candidate genes and immunohistochemistry on cells and tissues. Validation of new
PET ligands directed against microglial molecules will also be performed for the other
members of the consortium.
The post holder will be requested to undertake project management and supervise
multi-disciplinary teams. In addition, he/she will be expected to submit publications
to refereed journals and contribute to attract external research funding.
Research Duties
























To take initiatives in the planning of research
To direct the work of a small research 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 to the Consortium
To present findings to colleagues
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
To provide guidance to PhD students
To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision
To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work
To actively participate in the research programme of the Unit
To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and
international meetings
To participate in Group/Unit research meetings and internal seminars
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the
requirements of the project demand
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/Unit’s laboratories and
facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the
laboratories
Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research
students and research assistants as required
To comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend
courses on safety when appropriate
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, 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
Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as
Head of Division/Department/Section
Please note that, as this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974, a satisfactory enhanced level Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure will
be required for the successful candidate.
Further information about the Disclosure service can be found at www.crb.gov.uk or
by contacting the CRB information line on 0870 90 90 811.
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

PhD in neuroscience or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research,
industrial or commercial experience
Knowledge / Experience
Essential
 Knowledge of cell and molecular biology, particularly in the field of
neuroscience
 Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
 Practical experience within a research environment and/or publication in
relevant and refereed journals
 Dealing with specific groups of people, e.g. sponsors, patients
 Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including in vitro cultures,
gene knock-out experiments, experiments of gene transfection, DNA, RNA
and protein analysis and analysis of metabolome
 Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programmes
with experience in data presentation and statistical analyses
Desirable
 Experience with the use of imaging software
Skills and Abilities








Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
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
Personal Attributes






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
Creative approach to problem-solving
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 HM2012025 should be
sent, by the closing date of 6 March 2012, online via the Imperial College
iRecruitment website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thanks you for your interesting this post. We look forward to receiving your
application.