JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Research Associate
Division/Institute:
Respiratory Science Division, National Heart &
Lung Institute
Section:
Tuberculosis Research Centre, Department of
Respiratory Infections
Job Family and Level:
Academic & Research, Level B
Salary Range:
£32,750 - £41,540 per annum
Reporting To
Professor Ajit Lalvani
Key Working Relationships
(Internal to Dept/Div):
Members of Professor Ajit Lalvani’s Tuberculosis
Research Centre; the Laboratory Manager and other
scientific and technical staff within the Respiratory
Infections section. Imperial College Bioinformatics
service and Imperial College MRC Genomics
Laboratory
Key Working Relationships
(External)
Medical staff at NHS Trust sites involved in patient
recruitment, statistical collaborators at the University of
Birmingham, and other research staff
Location:
St Mary's Campus, Paddington
Duration:
Full-time 12 months in the first instance
Research Programme
The Respiratory Infection Section led by Professor Ajit Lalvani focuses research on
host responses to viral respiratory infections and tuberculosis. For further information
see:
http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/about/divisions/nhli/respiration/respinfect/
Tuberculosis Research Centre
This world-leading multidisciplinary research group, established and led by Professor
Ajit Lalvani, comprises about 15 scientists, clinical research nurses, clinical research
fellows and graduate students. The group’s research focus includes probing the
fundamental immunological control points in the natural history and biology of TB
infection, as well as translational research to develop and validate improved
biomarkers of TB infection, disease and treatment response. For further information
visit
the
following
web
page:
http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/about/divisions/nhli/respiration/respinfect/tbimm
unology/
The Purpose of the Post
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You will work under the direction of Professor Ajit Lalvani in the Tuberculosis
Research Centre to evaluate established and novel techniques to define and validate
biomarkers of TB infection and disease. The technologies that will be used and
further developed include genome-wide microarrays, RT-PCR, RNA-Seq and other
measures of host response. These assays will be applied to biobanked and fresh
samples from blood, lung washings and other disease sites. You will have a good
understanding of bioinformatics and will conduct your own analyses of the data
generated using appropriate bioinformatics techniques and software packages. Using
these approaches you will seek to systematically evaluate these novel diagnostic
biomarkers of TB. The position is funded by the NIHR and is focused on the newly
launched high-profile translational research programme called “Validation of New
Technologies for Diagnostic Evaluation of Tuberculosis (VANTDET)”.
Research Duties
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To plan, manage and execute the overall experimental strategy of VANTDET
To optimise experimental protocols, in particular for gene expression
microarrays and qRT-PCR
To plan, conduct experiments, ensure accurate documentation, record and
report results.
To perform bioinformatic analyses and interpret all gene expression data from
VANTDET
To perform statistical analyses, with support from the VANTDET statistical
expert
To collaborate with the VANTDET Health Economist
To assist in processing and storage of samples sent to the Tuberculosis
Research Centre in accordance with Human Tissue Authority guidelines.
To ensure quality control for all samples processed and stored in the biobank
To ensure that all results generated are stored in a secure database
To plan and write high-quality original research papers to journals based on
your research findings.
To present research results in the Tuberculosis Research Centre lab
meetings and other forums
To demonstrate depth or breadth of knowledge in this area and be recognised
as a technical expert.
To attend and participate in scientific meetings on TB and immunology within
Imperial College, including journal clubs
To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the
wider community
To co-supervise PhD students and assist other scientists in their research
To assist in carrying out core support tasks, including equipment
maintenance, preparation of reagents, monitoring of stock levels in stores and
in individual labs, and other general responsibilities necessary for day-to-day
lab operation
To monitor and maintain a safe working environment in accordance with
Health & Safety procedures.
To assist with building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and
ensure cost-effective purchasing of reagents, consumables and equipment.
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
To have a flexible approach to work, including working outside normal hours if
required
Other Responsibilities:
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To undertake appropriate administrative tasks
To attend relevant meetings
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by
Professor Lalvani.
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 (fo
r 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.
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IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications:
Essential
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A PhD in molecular biology with experience in gene expression microarray, qRTPCR and some bioinformatics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent
research, industrial or commercial experience
Knowledge and Experience:
Essential
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Hands-on experience in core microbiological techniques, including microarrays,
qRT-PCR and bioinformatics
Proven research skills including generation and analysis of data, using above
methods
A thorough understanding of T cell immunology and the innate and adaptive
immune response
Experience of handling blood and local disease site samples
Experience of tissue culture, including lymphoproliferation assays
Experience in working with human clinical samples
Experience of evaluating and comparing new assays
Sufficient knowledge and experience of bioinformatics and statistics to be able to
independently analyse data generated using micro-arrays and RNAseq
Experience in using computers (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access)
Desirable
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Knowledge of TB pathology, immunology and diagnostics
Proven ability to plan, write and publish first author scientific papers in good
journals
Biosafety Containment Category III lab experience including working with M.
tuberculosis complex organisms
Skills and Abilities:
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Proven ability to conceive, design, execute and interpret your own experiments
Proven ability to analyse, systematically record and clearly present data in an
organised fashion
Excellent planning skills and organisation of own work and ability to work
efficiently and independently in a largely unsupervised fashion
Ability to work as part of a team, with an ability to learn and to collaborate with
other members, in addition to teaching techniques to junior and senior colleagues
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
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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 prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Other:
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Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
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
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the
requirements of the project demand.
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