Research Associate

Duration: 3 years

Location: South Kensington Campus

Job Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Associate to join a collaborative team led by Professor Xiao-Ning Xu. The team focuses on the design and evolution of deimmunized protein superglues to enhance modular cell therapy. The MRC founded this research project in collaboration with Prof Mark Howarth at Cambridge University.

Technically, we will take advantage of the high-affinity interaction between SpyTag and SpyCatcher proteins and generate the catcher variants, which have limited immunogenicity in humans, through experimental and computational deimmunization. The novel pairs will be used to engineer CAR-T cells for broadly applicable and tuneable targeting against T cell tumours.

You will be a key member of the multidisciplinary team, working closely with other scientists in the lab and from Prof Howarth’s lab to prepare challenge agents and process and analyse samples of human sera and T cells. We seek someone who enjoys tackling ambitious research questions, has extensive knowledge of the CAR-T system and T cell biology, including MAIT cell biology, and can work semi-independently in a busy team.

Duties and responsibilities

Your main role will be using molecular and immunological techniques to a) screen B cell epitopes using yeast display library and ELISA and b) assess T cell epitopes using human PBMC and ELISpot. You must be proficient in using serological, cellular immunology and molecular techniques to identify immune responses to the SpyCather protein. Key procedures you will lead include engineering CAR constructs, Lentivirus production and transfection; and establishing yeast libraries. You will also be expected to write high-quality manuscripts for rapid and high-impact publication and to attract external research funding.

Essential requirements

• PhD & a good publication record (published or submitted)
• Expertise in CAR-T cell therapy and T-cell biology
• Basic knowledge of human immunology
• A thorough approach to laboratory work with a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility, record-keeping, attention to detail and adherence to standard operating procedures and methods
• Ability to troubleshoot and work independently
• Prior experience working in clinical research and supervising students is advantageous

Further Information

This is a Full Time and fixed-term role until October 2027, based mainly at the South Kensington Campus (but there will be frequent travel to other Imperial sites).

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £41,694 to £44,888 per annum.

Should you require further information please contact: Xiao-Ning Xu (x.xu@imperial.ac.uk).

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the Apply button above.

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