Research Technician in Respiratory Virus & Vaccine Immunology

Location: Hammersmith Campus 

About the role: 

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Technician to join a multi-disciplinary group working on a programme investigating human mucosal immunity following respiratory virus infection. 

You will be joining a dynamic group of clinical fellows, research nurses and scientists led by Prof Chris Chiu (https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/c.chiu) in the Department of Infectious Disease, to work on how influenza virus, RSV and coronaviruses induce protective immunity in the human respiratory tract to potentially enhance vaccine efficacy and reduce transmission. Respiratory viruses are major causes of disease and death worldwide. Current vaccination and treatment strategies are inadequate. Our group uses innovative experimental medicine models in which volunteers are experimentally infected with influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 or challenged with vaccines to identify mechanisms and correlates of protection, including unique studies of the lower respiratory tract. You will be a key member of the group, providing support in these projects that will foster your growing expertise and career development. 

What you would be doing:

You should be a graduate scientist keen to work on human immunology at the interface between fundamental biology and patient-focused research. You must have an MSc and relevant laboratory-based experience with an interest in immunology and virology.  You must also have excellent organisational skills, a methodical approach and close attention to detail. You will work closely with post-doctoral scientists in the group to process clinical samples; run immune assays using virology, fundamental immunology and molecular techniques; and analyse resulting data. 

What we are looking for:

• An MSc in Immunology or other relevant subject or (soon to be awarded).
• Experience in experimental medicine and relevant research techniques (see below) to quickly be able to run these assays independently after some training;
• A strong interest in human infectious disease and immunology;
• The ability to meticulously process samples and generate laboratory data, maintaining the highest quality and consistency
• A flexible approach to working during studies where participant timetables may require out-of-hours work. 

All training and support will be provided as necessary. However, you should already be able to independently run some/all of the following immunology and virology assays:

• Processing of blood and other clinical samples
• Serology including ELISA, haemagglutination inhibition and neutralisation assays
• ELISpot
• Multi-colour flow cytometry
• Virus and cell culture 

What we can offer you:

We actively support our staff in developing successful long-term research careers and expect that you will contribute to developing the projects, preparing presentations and writing high-impact publications.

• Training opportunities to develop your career.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year) 

Further Information 

This post is full-time, fixed term for 12 months based mainly at the Hammersmith Campus with some traveling to the St Mary’s Campus as required. 

For further information about the position, please contact Prof Chris Chiu (c.chiu@imperial.ac.uk; www.imperial.ac.uk/people/c.chiu). 

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