<!--anchor--> <!--anchor--> Research Assistant in the Department of Inflammation Biology <!--anchor-->

We are looking to recruit a research assistant to provide high-quality technical laboratory support for projects in the laboratory of Prof Leonie Taams at King’s College London. A specific focus of this post will be to perform human sample processing, storage and shipment, data analysis and project management in support of the OPTIMISE clinical trial ( 

https://www.ndorms.ox.ac.uk/research/clinical-trials/current-trials-and-studies/optimise

), which is a collaborative project with the universities of Oxford and Glasgow. 

You would join a collaborative and active research lab which studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms that initiate, perpetuate and regulate immune-mediated inflammation in human health and disease. Our long-term goal is to identify novel targets or pathways for therapeutic intervention of inflammation and to better inform treatment decisions. To achieve this, the lab works in a multidisciplinary environment with strong clinical, academic and industrial collaborations.  

Candidates are expected to have a BSc in biomedical/biological sciences with a strong grounding in immunobiology. Significant laboratory experience in human blood/tissue sample processing and storage and experience in cytokine detection assays is essential. Experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry would be a distinct advantage. Candidates need to have excellent data analysis and record keeping skills, as well as excellent communication and organisational skills. Candidates need to be able to show initiative, demonstrate that they are a team player, but can also work effectively on their own. 

We welcome applications from candidates who would like to work full-time or part-time (60% or 80% salary pro rata).   

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 16 months  

This is a full-time post 100% full time equivalent, part-time consideration 60-100%

•         To provide high-quality technical laboratory and general support for projects in the lab, and for the OPTIMISE clinical trial in particular

•         To collect, process, store and ship human blood and/or tissue samples in accordance with relevant regulations and study protocols

•         To perform routine assays (e.g. cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA) and tasks (preparing buffers, aliquoting reagents, etc) in support of relevant lab projects

•         To be involved, as required, in supervising and training UG, MSc and PhD students, and clinical fellows involved in lab projects within the group

•         To undertake any other reasonable duties relevant to the lab including general laboratory tasks, database management, health and safety training and implementation, reagent ordering, maintaining communal equipment and facilities

•         To maintain meticulous and permanent records of your work

•         To actively participate in and contribute to project and lab meetings, and in the discussion and preparation of data for presentations, meetings and publications

•         To provide support in internal and external audits compliance such as HTA, MHRA

•         To liaise constructively with research nurses and/or clinicians regarding patient recruitment and sample collection

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.

Candidates are expected to have a BSc in biomedical/biological sciences with a strong grounding in immunobiology. Significant laboratory experience in human blood/tissue sample processing and storage and experience in cytokine detection assays is essential. Experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry would be a distinct advantage. Candidates need to have excellent data analysis and record keeping skills, as well as excellent communication and organisational skills. Candidates need to be able to show initiative, demonstrate that they are a team player, but can also work effectively on their own.

Essential criteria

1.       BSc in biomedical/biological sciences

2.       Strong theoretical knowledge of immunobiology

3.       Significant laboratory experience in human blood/tissue sample processing and storage

4.       Experience in cytokine detection assays (ELISA, Luminex or intracellular cytokine staining)

5.       Excellent data analysis skills

6.       Excellent record keeping skills

7.       Excellent team working, communication and organisational skills

8.       Demonstrable ability to plan and execute your own work with enthusiasm and commitment

9.       Ability to work flexible hours as and when required to process precious patient samples

Desirable criteria

1.       MSc in immunology/biological sciences

2.       Experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry

We welcome applications from candidates who would like to work part-time (60% or 80%) or full-time (100%).