Research Associate in Immunobiology

About us:

Situated at the Guy’s Hospital Campus, The Immunobiology Department aims to understand the interplay between protective immunological mechanisms and the infections and tumours that challenge human health. Our research ranges from very basic studies of the molecules and processes that underpin the development and function of immune cells, to novel ways of improving immune function in humans. We are deeply committed to educating and nurturing the next generations of scientists, researchers and clinicians, and deliver a raft of research-inspired programmes for trainees at all career stages.

About the role: 

We are looking for a skilled and highly motivated post-doctoral researcher with an excellent knowledge of human immunology to join the Autoimmunity and Immune Regulation Team led by Professor Tim Tree https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/tree-group). The team aims to investigate how imbalances in the immune system contribute to range of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and develop and test immunotherapies to stop disease progression.

You will work on a new project investigating why some individuals are genetically protected from developing type 1 diabetes due to the presence of the HLA-DQ6 genotype. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular basis for DQ6-conferred susceptibility could lead to novel disease prevention strategies including refinements to antigen-specific immunotherapy approaches or adoptive Treg cell therapies. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with and using samples and data from the INNODIA global partnership (https://www.innodia.eu/)

Your laboratory work will include cutting edge analysis techniques, such as single-cell transcriptional profiling (using 10x Genomics), high dimensional flow cytometry (>30 parameters using CyTek Aurora) and immune cell engineering (lentiviral transduction/ CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing), so experience of analysing complex single-cell data, as well as a strong background in cellular immunology, would be advantageous. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and enjoy the challenge of learning and developing new assays and analysis techniques.

The post is based at Guy’s hospital and will give access to cutting edge core facilities (Flow Cytometry, Genomics and Bioinformatics). Overall, this post represents a unique opportunity for an ambitious scientist to develop a research career in translational immunology. 

This is a full time, and you will be offered a fixed term contract until December 2026.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Holding a PhD in Immunology or related biological science
2. An excellent theoretical and practical knowledge of the human immune system
3. Extensive experience of immunology-focused laboratory assays
4. Effective time management, organisational and problem-solving skills
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills
6. Ability to work irregular hours in accordance with the needs of the role

To view full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document or apply on-line please click on the above ‘Apply’ button. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Closing date: 02/06/2024

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