Research Technician

Location: NIHR Imperial BRC at Hammersmith Hospital

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated cell biologist for a translational research project funded by the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre’s Social Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Health (SGE) Theme, with a core aim of determining how genetic risk, interpreted in the context of relevant environmental and social contexts, can be translated into improved care through precision-medicine.  You will specifically join the Shovlin group within Vascular Science in National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), where the team address different aspects of genomics and cell biology for early translation to health (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/c.shovlin). The position is available full time for 18 months.

The purpose of this post is to extend the platform that translates our work on how human cells respond to environmental stimuli, offering new opportunities to provide earlier diagnostics and interventions. By integrating the cellular platform with the public-health facing elements of the SGE Theme, the approaches provide unique opportunities to address real-life complexity by simulating interventions in cells from social, environmental and genotype-targeted donors, and evaluating physiological cellular responses.

Our genomic focus is on DNA variants which are rare individually, but in totality common. Specifically, we focus on the novel areas of stress-related, rare DNA variants defined by the Shovlin group including premature termination codons from frameshift and nonsense variants, that persist at variable levels despite nonsense mediated decay (Bernabeu-Herrero et al, Blood 2024), and rare functional variants impacting 3’ UTR cleavage and polyadenylation (Xiao et al, Am J Hum Genet 2023).  The Shovlin group have set up a system of same-day peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultures in near-native conditions that enables dynamic responses to stressors to be tested individually, in combination, and in the setting of particular environmental contexts (Xiao et al Am J Hum Genet 2023; Li et al, 2024 in review).

The Research Technician will work in a team to expand our culture capacity for examination of differential cellular responses to acute (<4hr) responses in primary human PBMCs treated with one or more stresses such as low temperature, or protein translation inhibition to model the common output of the integrated stress response.  The post holder will work closely with other members of the Vascular Science group, and with the Imperial BRC Tissue Bank, establishing a biosample repository to support ongoing work in the SGE Theme

Duties and responsibilities

You will work in a team to expand our culture capacity for examination of differential cellular responses to acute (<4hr) responses in primary human PBMCs treated with one or more stresses such as low temperature, or protein translation inhibition to model the common output of the integrated stress response.  The post holder will work closely with other members of the Vascular Science group, and with the Imperial BRC Tissue Bank, establishing a biosample repository to support ongoing work in the SGE Theme.

The candidate will be primarily responsible for PBMC culture and treatments, establishing a biobank of PBMC-derived materials, and performing targeted experiments related to the projects. The candidate will be working as part of a team, supported by an experienced PDRA and wider staff. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to general laboratory responsibilities such as ordering, equipment maintenance, and generally assist in the smooth running of the Group/Unit’s laboratories and facilities.

Essential requirements

The successful candidate must have experience in primary cell culture. The candidate is also required to have excellent organisational skills, work well as part of a team, and have a good level of independent capacity and critical thinking. The ability to maintain accurate and thorough laboratory work and sample processing is essential. Laboratory work and data interpretation will be performed under the supervision of experienced members of the team. Experience in whole blood processing and clinical biobank management is desirable. Enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment are also essential requisites for this project.

• BSc Degree in Biological Sciences, or related field, or equivalent vocational qualification required.
• Previous experience in primary cell culture, basic cellular and molecular techniques required.
• Experience in developing and/or carrying out cell-based assays desirable
• Experience with laboratory logs and data management desirable

Further Information

This is a fulltime, fixed term role based at Hammersmith Campus (East Acton).

Candidates need to complete an online application.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Professor Claire L. Shovlin c.shovlin@imperial.ac.uk

For technical issues when applying online please email sjobs@ic.ac.uk

Closing date: 12/04/2024