University College London (UCL) is a public research university in London, England and a constituent college of the federal University of London. Established in 1826 as London University by founders inspired by the radical ideas of Jeremy Bentham, UCL was the first university institution established in London, and the first in England to be entirely secular and to admit students regardless of their religion.It also makes the disputed claim to have been the first to admit women on equal terms with men. UCL became one of the two founding colleges of the University of London in 1836.
Job Title: Research Associate (Immunology)
Centre: Division of Infection & Immunity
Salary: £33, 686 - £40,716 per annum inclusive of London Allowance.Appointment at grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B(salary £29,485 - £31,091 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis or to start date of appointment as appropriate.
Duration: This post is funded for 4 years in the first instance
General Introduction:
A 4-year Wellcome Trust funded position exists for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr Clare Jolly in the Division of Infection and Immunity at University College London(Bloomsbury Campus, Cruciform Building). The Division of Infection & Immunity incorporates virology, immunology and Microbiology research across the UCL campuses and includes internationally competiti
ve research groups investigating host-pathogen interactions and viral immunology. The Division of Infection and Immunity is a lively and sociable research environment striving for excellence in research. Infrastructure is excellent and includes well-equipped molecular laboratories, dedicated tissue culture space, flow cytometers and bespoke containment level three laboratories that house a state-of-the-art microscope for live cell imaging. There is an established track record for postdoctoral staff gaining personal fellowships and independently minded and talented investigators will be encouraged and supported in seeking such fellowship support.
Information about the project:
The position is funded by Wellcome Trust Investigator Award to Dr Jolly and is available for up to 4 years. We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral scientist to undertake research aimed at understanding how CD4 T cell function is deregulated during HIV infection. HIV manipulates immune cell interactions to drive highly efficient T cell - T cell spread of virus. Recent work from our laboratory.Division of Infection and Immunity has revealed that spread of HIV between T cells modulates signaling networks that regulate normal T cell function. We now seek to build on these new discoveries to determine how molecular reprogramming of T cells by HIV drives the immunological dysfunction that associated with HIV/AIDS. This project presents an exciting opportunity to follow up on novel insights into manipulation of T cells by HIV.
Information about the post:
Candidates with interests in T Cell Biology, activation or immune cell signaling would be well suited for this position. Applicants must have a PhD (or about to be awarded) in a relevant subject area (preferably immunology or viral immunology), experience of immunology research and a record of peer-reviewed publications. A strong background in T Cell Biology, immune cell interactions or viral immunology would be beneficial. Experience in primary cell culture, immunofluorescence imaging or T cell assays would be an advantage. The successful candidate must be highly motivated, able to communicate effectively and have experience of drafting and submitting academic papers for publication. The post would ideally suit an enthusiastic and driven postdoctoral scientist who wishes to develop their career and pursue future opportunities for career development fellowships. The postholder will be expected to perform research under the direction of the Principal Investigator, Dr Clare Jolly and to work collaboratively with other group members.
Duties and Responsibilities:
To carry out an independent research project (with supervision) to investigate the biology of HIV infection in T cells.
Key responsibilities will include:
Contribute considerable input into project and experimental design working collaboratively with other members of the team on project areas agreed with the group leader
Maintain notes on experimental work in an organised and comprehensible manner, analyse and interpret data on a regular basis and discuss results routinely with the group leader.
Present their data in lab meetings as well as at national and international meetings.
Maintain an ongoing knowledge of the relevant scientific literature and advancements in the field.
Prepare their results for publication.
Aid in the training and supervision of junior members of staff/students working in the laboratory,including BSc, MSc and PhD students and collaborators where appropriate.
To have a sound grasp of current health & safety regulations; practices and issues, particularly in relation to the topic being researched, and to comply with these at all times.
To maintain the effective running of laboratory equipment relevant to the project and to troubleshoot problems where necessary, liaising with service engineers, computing staff, finance, ordering and safety persons as necessary.
The nature of scientific work means it may be necessary to work outside normal working hours in order to complete an experiment. (An exact breakdown of percentage time spent in different duties is impossible in a scientific job as the exact nature of day-to-day duties change with the scientific project).
To carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager
To actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities and Race Equality policies
To maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health & Safety Regulations.
To ensure safe disposal of hazardous waste.
To comply with the principles of Good Clinical and laboratory Practice.
To maintain awareness of health and safety regulations; to make sure all risk assessments are up to-date and to ensure that all codes of practice are being followed.
To ensure an adequate supply of lab consumables, place orders for consumables using the UCL iProcurement system and to follow up on orders as required.
To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required.
As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge & Experience
Essential:
PhD (or about to be awarded) in molecular or cellular immunology, immune Cell Biology or viral immunology.
Considerable experience working in a research laboratory
Experience and competency in mammalian tissue culture including purification and propagation of primary T cells
Experience of research in cellular or molecular immunology
Experience in cytokine secretion assays, flow Cytometry, qPCR, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting
Sound understanding of Health & Safety issues
Desirable:
Experience of research in T cell activation and/or T cell signaling
Experience working with pathogens or viruses
Experience of confocal immunofluorescence microscopy
Skills
Essential:
Excellent oral and written communication skills including evidence of at least one first author publication in an international scientific journal and presentations at scientific conferences
Accurate and complete record keeping and ability to analyse and write up data for publication
Willingness to train and supervise new staff and students
Keen to learn and share scientific ideas
Self-motivated and enthusiastic
Willingness and ability to work as part of a team
Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.
Ability to interact productively with colleagues and lab members.
Ability to modify and apply new methods to advance a project.
Aptitude
Essential:
Ability to organise and prioritise work
Attention to detail and careful approach
Ability to manage time and work to strict deadlines.
A willingness to learn a variety of practical techniques and the ability to apply them in any given project
Ability to work collaboratively and harmoniously with scientific colleagues of all cultures and backgrounds and as part of a team
Able to take initiative, focused and well organised
Enthusiastic, eager to learn and self-motivated
For informal enquiries relating to the role, please contact Dr Clare Jolly by email on c.jolly@ucl.ac.uk.
Any queries regarding this advert or the recruitment process please contact Isabel Lubeiro, i.lubeiro@ucl.ac.uk.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates meeting the eligibity criteria can apply online via the link below.
Apply Online
Closing date for online application: 23rd March 2016
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