Research Fellow in Chemical Biology

UCL Department / Division
Division of Infection and Immunity
Specific unit / Sub department
Institute of Immunity and Transplantation
Location of position
London
Grade
7
Hours
Full Time
Salary
(inclusive of London allowance)
£36,770 - £44,388 per annum
Duties and Responsibilities
A position exists for a post-doctoral Research Fellow in the laboratory of Professor Lucy Walker in UCL's Division of Infection and Immunity based in the Royal Free Campus. 
The Division of Infection and Immunity is the focus for research and teaching in infection, immunity and inflammation. The post will be based in the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation in the Royal Free Hospital. Work within the Institute aims to improve our mechanistic understanding of the immune system and to translate research advances into improved diagnosis and therapy. By embedding high quality basic research programmes within a hospital environment, the Institute provides an excellent interface between science and medicine. 
The incidence of autoimmune diseases is increasing, and these disorders affect around 8% of the European population. This has significant implications for quality of life and poses and increasing burden on healthcare resources. The Walker group focuses on understanding how the immune system is normally regulated to prevent the initiation of autoimmunity. We are particularly interested in the type of T cell responsible for triggering, or regulating, autoimmune diseases. The post-holder will undertake a bioconjugation project to develop bispecific antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of autoimmune disease. The project will involve both organic chemistry and functional cellular assays and will be supported by a collaboration with Professor Vijay Chudasama based in the UCL Chemistry Department. 
The successful candidate will join a successful, well-funded, mixed nationality research group that aims to characterise the cellular mechanisms that cause autoimmune diseases and interrupt them with new therapeutics. The post-holder will be expected to perform research under the direction of the Principal Investigator and to work collaboratively with other group members.
The post is funded for 12 months in the first instance.
Key Requirements
Applicants should have a PhD (or equivalent degree) in a relevant research area, preferably organic chemistry/bioconjugation.
The successful candidate must have experience in bioconjugation work and cellular assays as well as experience in flow cytometry. Experience in autoimmune disease research is desirable. 
Note: 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, (£32,217 - £33,958 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of the final submission of the PhD thesis.
Further Details
To apply for the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below.  
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
Informal enquiries about the post may be made to Professor Lucy Walker by email on [email protected]. 
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Isabel Lubeiro by email on [email protected].
UCL Taking Action for Equality
Closing Date
2 Feb 2022
Latest time for the submission of applications
23.59
Interview date
TBC
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Support Staff.
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