The advertised position will be working in Professor Mohamed Shamji’s research group (Immunomodulation and Tolerance Group) within National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI). Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects up to 40% of the global population and pose a huge economic and social burden. Whilst AR can be controlled temporarily with symptom-reliever such as anti-histamines and corticosteroids, a small proportion of sufferers do not respond to treatment. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is indicated in these patients. Despite their efficacy, AIT is associated with long-term treatment regimen which is associated with low patient compliance and occasional severe reactions. The overarching objective is to define the mechanism of action of the novel AIT product and its efficacy.
The post-holder will be involved in a very exciting and fast-paced clinical trial study to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of a novel candidate that can be used as AIT. The post-holder will be involved in the collection of clinical samples during the study and will be involved in performing all relevant immunological and cellular assays to allow assessment of the efficacy of treatment. This will include biobanking of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), basophil activation, in vitro T cell culture assays and multi-parametric flow cytometry analyses. Flexible attitude towards work is hugely required in this role due to the nature of clinical sample collection. The post-holder will also be required to contribute to other roles and duties within the research group which may include contributing to other research projects, report writing and various administrative tasks.
Duties and responsibilities
Under the direction of the line manager, you will be involved in:
Planning and executing experiments using the following techniques:
Cell separation
Cell Culture
FACS analysis
ELISA
DNA/RNA extraction and quantification
The collection, preparation, processing and storage of samples
Isolation, culturing and experimentation with primary cells
Maintenance of cell line cultures and purifying primary cells
The role will also involve other duties that include:
General laboratory administrative duties including ordering
Maintaining stocks of cell lines, virus and routine supplies
Documentation and analysis of experimental data
Participation in local laboratory meetings
Assisting to make sure good laboratory practice is in place
Assist with presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the research community in general
Assist with preparation of grant reports and scientific publications
To help maintain a highly efficient working laboratory
To undertake any necessary training as required
Essential requirements
The ideal candidate should fulfil the following requirements:
Hold a Master’s degree (MSc or MRes) in life sciences or equivalent relevant laboratory based experience
Experience in laboratory-based research
Practical experience with working with peripheral blood
Experience in collection, preparation, processing and/or storage of samples
Computer literacy using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Methodical approach and close attention to detail
Ability to work with limited supervision and keep meticulous records
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Ability to work as part of a team
Flexible approach to working hours according to the requirements of the technical procedures
Be prepared to have an active involvement with daily running and functioning of the laboratory.
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times.
Flexible approach to working hours according to the requirements of the technical procedures.
Further information
This position is a full-time (35h/pw) position offered on a Maternity cover basis until May 2025 based at South Kensington Campus.
Candidates interested in the position should complete an online application.
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Mohamed Shamji ([email protected])
About Imperial College London
Imperial College London is the UK’s only university focussed entirely on science, engineering, medicine and business and we are consistently rated in the top 10 universities in the world.
You will find our main London campus in South Kensington, with our hospital campuses located nearby in West and North London. We also have Silwood Park in Berkshire and state-of-the-art facilities in development at our major new campus in White City.
We work in a multidisciplinary and diverse community for education, research, translation and commercialisation, harnessing science and innovation to tackle the big global challenges our complex world faces.
It’s our mission to achieve enduring excellence in all that we do for the benefit of society – and we are looking for the most talented people to help us get there.
Additional information
Please note that 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 follow the Imperial Values & Behaviours framework. Our values are:
Respect
Collaboration
Excellence
Integrity
Innovation
In addition to the above, employees are required to observe and comply with all College policies and regulations.
We are committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Disability Confident Leader and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
For technical issues when applying online please email [email protected].
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