IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate (SM171-13)
Job Family:
Academic & Research Level B
Department:
Surgery and Cancer
Division:
Cancer
Salary Range:
£28,770 - £34,500 per annum
Reporting to:
Dr Sarah Blagden
Accountable to:
Professor Hani Gabra & Head of Department
Works closely with: Other academic and research staff within the Section
Contract:
Full time for a fixed term of 12 months in the first instance
Location:
Hammersmith Campus, East Acton
Introduction
The Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre (OCARC) is the only dedicated ovarian cancer
research centre in the UK and was established in 2006 within Imperial’s Division of Cancer. The
OCARC was established with core funding from the charity Ovarian Cancer Action and comprises
over 40 researchers from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Imperial College London.
The research centre is closely integrated with the West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre at
Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital. The OCARC comprises groups studying many aspects of
ovarian cancer, including chemotherapy resistance, cancer stem cells and cancer genetics. Dr
Sarah Blagden is a principal investigator within the OCARC, based within the Institute of
Reproductive and Developmental Biology at Imperial College’s Hammersmith Campus. Her team
studies the dysregulation of messenger RNA translation. This post-doctoral position is funded by
Ovarian Cancer Action.
Main Purpose of Position
The subject of this post is the role of Larp1 in ovarian cancer. Larp1 is required for the mRNA
translation of a subset of proteins required for cancer behaviour. The post-holder is required to be
familiar with a number of experimental techniques (see below) with the aim of developing
techniques to inhibit Larp1 expression in vitro and in vivo.
Key Duties






Cell culture, western blotting, real time RT-PCR, RNAi and confocal microscopy
Tumour xenograft work using ovarian cell lines
Development of expression constructs, using site-specific mutagenesis, DNA cloning,
transfection and bioluminescence imaging
In situ hybridisation and RNA cross-linking
Performing cell “wounding” assays, transformation assays
Data analysis









Timely execution of the research project
To visit and spend time in laboratories of collaborators in UK and USA
To participate in research meetings and internal seminars contributing to the presentation of
results to the group
To prepare and present data from research in national and international conferences
To contribute the preparation of grant reports and scientific publications as required
To provide guidance and supervision to staff and students (MSc and BSc) and to visiting
researchers
Compliance with Health and Safety guidelines within the Laboratory
Compliance with ethical and CBS regulations imposed by Imperial College
Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable
Other Responsibilities


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, from time-to-time, 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 our Equal Opportunities
in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and Disability Policy and all other
relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

PhD or equivalent qualification in a life sciences discipline
Experience and Knowledge
Essential





Proven experience of molecular biology, a comprehensive understanding of transcription,
mRNA translation and cell signalling
Experience in cell culture work, PCR, RNAi, immunoblotting and confocal microscopy
Experience with models
General knowledge of computing use, including Microsoft Office packages
Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
Desirable

Competent in all general laboratory techniques
Skills and Abilities
Essential










Ability to conduct a detailed review of the literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Ability to exercise initiative
Ability to work with a minimum of supervision
Ability to work as part of a team and independently
Proven organisational skills
Ability to prioritise a varied workload and work under pressure to meet deadlines
while maintaining a high level of quality
Excellent verbal communication skills
Excellent written communication skills at the ability to write clearly and succinctly for
publication
Ability to communicate with a wide range of people at varied levels
Personal Attributes
Essential

Flexible approach to work and innovative ideas
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
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 attach a CV it should include the following information:
Applicant’s full name, private address and private telephone number
A confidential fax number and e-mail address, where possible
Degrees (including University and dates)
Past and present posts
List of publications
Brief description of future research plans
Names, addresses and, email, fax numbers, of three referees.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.