Research Associate in Optical Imaging

Job Summary

We are seeking an outstanding Research Associate in Optical Imaging to contribute to a Leverhulme Trust funded project across the Aprile, Kuimova and Vilar groups in the Department of Chemistry based on the development of molecular rotors to study aggregation and liquid liquid phase separation (LLPS) of alpha-synuclein, a key protein in Parkinson’s disease.

The project is funded for a period of two years, with a possible six months’ extension. The start date is from 1^st July 2024 with some flexibility. This project will involve the development of reliable assays for the characterisation of the in vitro and in cellulo aggregation and LLPS of protein alpha-synuclein, using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).

Duties and responsibilities

• You will be expected to take a leading role in design of the assays and the characterisation of cellular behaviour using similar approaches to those published by the Kuimova group (ACS Nano 2018, 12, 4398; Biomaterials, 2017, 139, 195; Nat. Comm. 2021, 12, 162) alongside coordinating collaborative aspects of the project.

• You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day progress of the project, including the design and implementation of appropriate experiments and techniques utilising effective problem-solving skills where necessary. You will work with Profs Kuimova, Vilar and Dr Aprile and members of their research teams.

• Effective report writing and accurate recording of high-quality data in a publishable format will be an essential aspect of the role and you will be required to present your results regularly both at group meetings and at relevant internal and external conferences and seminars.

• In all research groups we frequently support the undergraduate degree programme by providing research projects within our lab and you may be expected to play an active role in the supervision of these students alongside responsibilities in lab management and support of more junior members of the group. 

• You will also be expected to assist in ensuring safe working practice is adhered to by members of the lab and to support other research associates within the lab with the management of health and safety, equipment maintenance and laboratory rotas.

Essential requirements

• Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in chemistry or chemical biology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience, with a strong desire to progress in your career at a world leading research institution.

• Essential criteria include a strong track record in chemical biology, preferably demonstrated by first author publications in leading research journals.

• You must be an expert user of optical instrumentation and have experience in fluorescence spectroscopy or microscopy. You will have demonstrable creativity and the ability to work effectively in an efficient and independent manner and achieve clear objectives within a multidisciplinary team. Additional training and support can be provided on key techniques where necessary.

• Prior experience in any of the following would be highly advantageous: Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), time resolved optical spectroscopy, cell culture, molecular biology or click conjugation chemistry, ultrafast lasers, fluorescence microscopy.

Further Information

This is a full time, fixed term position for 2 years based at White City Campus.

For informal queries please contact – Dr   Francesco Aprile f.aprile@imperial.ac.uk.

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