Job description
Are you looking for a research assistant position? Are you interested in translational immunology research? Then this may be the position for you!
We are looking to recruit a highly motivated research assistant to join the laboratory of Prof Leonie Taams at King’s College London. The specific aim of the role is to help us identify the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression in human CD4+ T cells following TNF blockade.
The successful candidate would join a friendly and collaborative lab with a passion for translational research. We are looking for someone with a strong grounding in immunobiology, ideally in the context of human inflammatory disease. Previous laboratory experience is essential – in particular, practical experience in molecular biology and cellular immunology techniques such as RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, cytokine/protein detection, multi-parameter flow cytometry or cell culture. Experience in bioinformatic analysis would be a distinct advantage.
A proactive and problem-solving attitude, excellent data analysis and record keeping skills as well as strong interpersonal, communication and time management skills are essential. We welcome team players who are also able to work well independently.
Our team is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive research environment. If you are part of a community that is historically under-represented in academic laboratory science, please be encouraged to apply.
This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 10 months
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent
Key responsibilities
- To pro-actively design and carry out high-quality laboratory research and data analysis to drive forward the project’s objectives
- To develop, optimise and/or conduct appropriate molecular and cellular immunology experiments using the appropriate technologies such as gene silencing, overexpression, luciferase assays, multi-parameter flow cytometry, cell sorting and co-culture systems
- To apply cutting-edge (bioinformatic) skills to your data analysis
- To prepare your results for high-quality presentation and publication
- To maintain meticulous and permanent records of your work (data management)
- To liaise constructively and reliably with other members of the project team and lab
- To actively participate in and contribute to project and lab meetings
- To be actively involved in supervising and training of UG, MSc and PhD students, and clinical fellows involved in lab projects within the group/team
- To undertake any other reasonable duties relevant to the lab including general laboratory tasks, database management, health and safety training and implementation, internal and external audits, reagent ordering and looking after communal equipment and facilities.
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Skills, knowledge, and experience
1. A BSc/MSc degree in immunobiology or related subject (awarded)
2. A strong theoretical and practical (i.e. lab-based) grounding in immunobiology, ideally in the context of human inflammatory disease
3. Previous hands-on laboratory experience in molecular immunology (RNA isolation, qRT-PCR)
4. Previous hands-on laboratory experience in cellular immunology (cytokine/protein detection, flow cytometry, cell isolation, culturing of primary cells or cell lines)
5. Excellent data analysis skills as evidenced by publications, posters and/or oral presentations of your previous research
6. Excellent record keeping/data management skills
7. Strong written and verbal presentation skills
8. A proactive, collaborative and problem-solving attitude to get the best out of yourself and your team
9. A demonstrable interest in translational immunology
10. A clearly articulated motivation for the post
1. Experience in bioinformatic analysis of NGS data using R
2. Experience in gene silencing/overexpression and/or luciferase assays
3. Experience in human sample processing, storage and regulations (e.g. HTA, GCP)
Further information
Applicants need to submit their CV as well as a personal statement which clearly outlines their motivation and suitability for the project and the post.