Research Assistant

King's College London, United Kingdom

Updated: 2 days ago
Location: Harrow N W and S, ENGLAND
Deadline: 12 May 2024

Job id: 088805. Salary: £37,322-£38,966 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 01 May 2024. Closing date: 12 May 2024.

Business unit: Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. Department: Department of Infectious Diseases.

Contact details:Dr Anna Schurich. [email protected]

Location: Guy's Campus. Category: Research.


Job description

We are inviting applications for a research post in translational immunology. This project will investigate the propensity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to work as a therapy in liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Hepatocellular carcinoma remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with limited treatments. We believe CAR-T cell therapy – genetic engineering of T cells for adoptive transfer- has potential in HCC. We will be using state of the art immunology/immunometabolism and molecular techniques to modulate and study the function of human CAR-T cells; with the aim to improve targeting to and function within the solid tumour environment. This project has the potential to contribute to laying the foundation for improved future CAR-T cell therapy of liver cancer and beyond.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a keen interest in translational research, a positive working attitude, good organisation and excellent communication skills, who enjoys working in a team and in collaboration.

The successful candidate will be based in Dr Anna Schurich’s laboratory at Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London. Dr Schurich is an expert in human CAR-T cell immunology and immunometabolism (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/schurich-group). The project will be undertaken in close collaboration with Dr Laura Pallett, University College. Dr Pallett is an expert in T cell and liver immunology (www.pallettlab.com ).

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract until May 2025.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.


Key responsibilities
  • Carry out high quality translational research and keep accurate, trustworthy records of all experimental work and operating procedures.
  • Perform experiments using clinical specimens, using state-or-the-art immunometabolic assays and other relevant immunological assays – including but not limited to Seahorse/SCENITH/nutrient uptake assays and flow cytometry.
  • Analyse experimental data for regular presentation and discussion at internal lab meetings and/or conferences and to prepare findings for publication and external presentation at national and international conferences.
  • Work effectively as part of a team and collaborate with internal and external collaborators (both clinical and non-clinical). 
  • Contribute to training and supervision of other group members, including students (BSc / MSc and MRes) working in the laboratory.
  • Endeavor to maintain knowledge of the relevant scientific literature and advancements in the field.
  • Maintain accurate databases detailing sample acquisition and clinical information, liquid nitrogen and freezer storage records and laboratory stocks (ordering reagents when needed). 
  • Significantly contribute to the effective running of the laboratory, including equipment relevant to the project, and to trouble-shoot problems where necessary. 

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

The post will suit an ambitious and motivated individual with a keen interest in CAR-T cell therapy, T cell immunology and immunometabolism, who enjoys working as a member of a friendly team and is able to collaborate with multiple groups and individuals. The post will suit a scientist who wishes to gain experience and develop their research skills.

Essential criteria

  • A 1st or 2:1 BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. immunology, cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology etc) 
  • Previous demonstrable research aptitude and laboratory experience 
  • Clear understanding of laboratory good working practice
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture, including sterile working
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including accurate and complete record keeping of experimental findings  
  • Highly self-motivated with the ability to use initiative and to trouble-shoot experimental or operational difficulties 
  • Evidence of good time management and ability of working effectively to deadlines  
  • Willingness and ability to exchange information with others and work as part of a team 

    • Desirable criteria

  • Experience/Background in T cell biology/Immunometabolism
  • Experience/proficiency in cellular immunology techniques
  • Experience in laboratory management, including up-to-date record keeping for samples acquisition (in line with the Human Tissue Act), inventory logging, ordering/maintaining lab stocks

    • The nature of scientific work means it may be necessary to work outside of normal working hours in order to complete an experiment, or to process clinical specimens. The exact nature of day-to-day duties will be flexible and evolve with the project.


    If you encounter any technical difficulties while applying online, please email [email protected]


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