Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
Department:
Experimental Medicine and Toxicology
Division:
Investigative Science
Job Family and Level:
Research and Education, Level B
Salary Range:
£26,720 - £30,520 per annum
Responsible To:
Dr Beata Wojciak-Stothard
Professor Martin Wilkins
Works Closely With:
Dr Beata Wojciak-Stothard (Experimental Medicine and
Toxicology)
Dr James Leiper (MRC Unit, Imperial College)
Funding:
BHF
Location:
Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Campus
Duration:
Fixed-term for three years
Project Title:
The role of ADMA in the regulation of pulmonary
endothelial cell-to-cell communication and endothelial
permeability.
Experimental Medicine & Toxicology
The Department of Experimental Medicine & Toxicology is an active research
department that comprises a number of research groups specialising in toxicology,
proteomics, apoptosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
Detailed Project
Lack of nitric oxide, breakdown in pulmonary endothelial barrier function and
abnormal cell-to-cell communication are features of endothelial dysfunction in PH.
Endogenously produced nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, asymmetric methylarginine
(ADMA) increases pulmonary vascular leakage in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesize
that ADMA metabolism regulates pulmonary endothelial barrier function via
modulation of intercellular gap junctional communication. Using heterozygous or
endothelium- specific knockout of genes regulating metabolism of methylarginines,
the project aims to establish the effects ADMA metabolism on local endothelial gap
junctional conductivity and endothelial permeability in vitro and in vivo and
characterise signalling mediators involved. Gap junctional communication will be
studied with the use of Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorter (FACS) analysis and
confocal microscopy techniques including Fluorescence Recovery After
Photobleaching (FRAP). The role of individual connexins and Rho GTPases will be
studied with the use of retroviral and adenoviral gene transfer.
Research Duties
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To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision in
particular undertaking the following:
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Culture and treat pulmonary endothelial cells (human and in vivo
models) with NOS inhibitors/activators
Use viral gene transfer and transfection techniques to investigate the
role of enzymes metabolising ADMA (DDAH), individual connexins
and signalling mediators including Rho GTPases
Study changes in endothelial permeability and gap junctional
communication using fluorescent confocal microscopy, FRAP, FACS
in cultured cells and whole vessels
Compare and contrast data derived from different treatments
To maintain highly organised, full, accurate, complete and legible records of
experimental work
To take initiatives in the planning of research and assisting in the supervision
of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research
assistants as required
To help write reports for submission to research sponsor
In discussion with the other investigators, to prepare work for presentation at
appropriate national or international meetings and for publication in relevant
peer-reviewed journals
To actively participate in the research programme of the Group and Unit
including attending and presenting at Group/Unit research meetings and
internal seminars
To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and
elsewhere in London, the UK or abroad, as appropriate and work with
scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories
Other Duties
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To contribute and show leadership in the routine running of the laboratory in
terms of safety, laboratory maintenance, ordering, and dealing with
hazardous material
To comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend
courses on safety or when appropriate
To undertake any appropriate administration tasks designated
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
Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as
Head of Division/Department/Section
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 and Experience
Essential
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PhD in cell/molecular biology or other relevant biological sciences speciality
Experience in cell culture, transfection techniques
Practical experience in DNA/RNA handling, extraction, PCR, gel
electrophoresis
Practical experience in protein analysis including SDS-polyacylamide gel
electrophoresis and Western Blotting
Practical experience in immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy
Desirable
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Experience of work in the field of vascular biology/pulmonary endothelial
function
Experience in the culture of primary cells from humans and animals
Previous experience of work with FACS and FRAP techniques
Skills and Abilities
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Excellent research skills in basic cell/molecular biology techniques
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range
of people including scientists, sponsors, clinicians and students
Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs with
experience in data presentation and statistical analyses
Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts with a creative approach to
problem-solving
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision and to prioritise own
work in response to deadlines
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to undertake training, specifically with regard to the use of FRAP
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the
requirements of the project demand it is also necessary
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and/or attend conferences
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 HM2009092 should be
sent, by the closing date of 9 November 2009, online via the Imperial College
iRecruitment website.
Short listed candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
If you have any further queries, please telephone 020 8383 4575.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.