Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
Department:
Molecular Sciences
Institute:
Clinical Sciences
Job Family and Level:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary Range:
£32,100 per annum
Duration:
Full-time, fixed-term for 2 years
Reporting To:
Dr Irene Miguel-Aliaga (Research Fellow)
Working Closely:
Members of the Brain-Gut Interactions research group
Location:
Hammersmith Campus
Summary of Post
The digestive system is emerging as a key regulator of appetite and metabolism.
Mounting evidence links largely uncharacterized signals emanating from the
gastrointestinal tract and its neurons to increasingly prevalent conditions such as
diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The Miguel-Aliaga laboratory investigates the
signals, cells and mechanisms mediating brain-gut interactions using Drosophila
melanogaster. Our recent work has uncovered conserved mechanisms of autonomic
control in flies, and points to the existence of intestinal signals regulating metabolic
homeostasis and behaviour.
The post-holders will be able to concentrate on a project of choice involving enteric
neurons and the neural control of metabolism and intestinal homeostasis.
Selected references:
Miguel-Aliaga I (2012) Nerveless and gutsy: intestinal nutrient sensing from
invertebrates to humans. Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology 23(6):614-20.
Cognigni P, Bailey AP, Miguel-Aliaga I (2012) Enteric neurons and systemic signals
couple nutritional and reproductive status with intestinal homeostasis. Cell
Metabolism. 13(1):92-104.
Talsma AD, Christov CP, Terriente-Felix A, Linneweber GA, Perea D, Wayland M,
Shafer OT, Miguel-Aliaga I (2012) Remote control of renal physiology by the
intestinal neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U
S A. 109(30):12177-82.
Miguel-Aliaga I, Thor S, Gould AP (2008) Postmitotic specification of Drosophila
insulinergic neurons from pioneer neurons. PLoS Biol. 6(3):e58.
Research Duties:
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To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision and coordination with other Group members as required.
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 identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection
and analysis of data
To write regular internal reports and reports for submission to research sponsors
as required
To prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats and present
findings to colleagues and at conferences
To draft publications and prepare them for submission to refereed journals
To submit publications to refereed journals
To contribute to writing bids for research grants
To promote the reputation of the group, Centre, department and College
To provide guidance to staff and students, including PhD students
To develop contacts and research collaborations within the Centre, the College
and the wider community
To supervise staff, as appropriate, and to provide guidance and occasional
supervision to junior members of the laboratory, if requested
To comply with College safety practices and to attend courses on safety when
appropriate
Other Duties:
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
To maintain safe workplace practice and procedures in accordance with the
requirements of Health and Safety legislation;
To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant statutory Health and Safety
legislation and recommendations and attend safety training as required.
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:
Essential
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PhD or equivalent in any of the Biological Sciences (or be in the final stages of
completing one)
Knowledge and Experience:
Essential
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Extensive laboratory experience
Have a good track record, and experience in working within the context of a
collaborative multidisciplinary team
International exposure: research conferences, mobility
Desirable
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Research experience with Drosophila melanogaster including fly rearing, genetic
manipulation, in situ and immunohistochemical methods
Training and/or research experience in neurobiology
Skills and Abilities:
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Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Creative approach to problem-solving
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 organise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Advanced computer skills,
High level analytical capability
Ability to communicate complex information clearly
Ability to apply relevant models, techniques and methods and develop new ones
Ability to assess resource requirements and deploy them effectively
Ability to encourage research culture in others
Other requirements
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Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Individual must be prepared to work unsociable hours as work demands from
time to time.
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, full CV and covering letter quoting reference number
HM2013015 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 this post. We look forward to receiving your application.