Research Technician in Reproductive Immunology / Virology

Location: Hammersmith Campus

About the role:

Applications are invited for a Research Technician post in Reproductive Immunology/Virology to work on a multi-year NIH-funded research project. The overall aim of the project is to investigate the role of placental macrophages (Hofbauer cells) in cytomegalovirus infection at the maternal-fetal interface. The post includes the opportunity to perform, and gain experience in a wide range of advanced techniques, including cellular and molecular assays. The position is available to start immediately, with an end date of 31 August 2029.

What you would be doing:

You will join a research group working to understand the communication between the immune system and the placenta during pregnancy, headed by Dr Beth Holder: (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/b.holder and https://www.theholderlab.com/). You will work alongside a postdoctoral research associate, also funded from this grant, who will act as your day-to-day supervisor.

You will be an integral part of this research team, and will contribute to both research and administrative duties required for the efficient running of the research group.

You will work together with other lab members to:

• Co-ordinate with research staff, research nurses/midwives and NHS staff to arrange collection of patient samples
• Assist with the collection and dissection of placental tissues following terminations of pregnancy. You will be required to be present in theatre where the procedure occurs, to communicate with theatre staff, and to dissect the placental/decidual tissue from a receptacle containing fetal tissue. Please ensure that you are comfortable with this aspect of the role before applying. Full training and support will be provided.
• Carry out routine duties, including processing of patient samples and preparation of solutions
• Perform a range of scientific techniques including cell/tissue culture, cytomegalovirus culture and infection assays, cellular and molecular assays

What we are looking for:

• You will be a motivated, hard-working and independent team member who is eager to learn new things and help to drive excellent scientific research.
• Experience in tissue culture, molecular biology, immunological assays, and microscopy is highly desirable, though training will be given.
• Additionally, experience in the topic of virology is also highly desirable.
• As a fastidious lab worker, you will be an excellent record keeper and alongside research, you will support the running of the laboratory, including assisting with routine sample collection and processing.

What we can offer you:

• Training in a wide range of cellular and molecular assays
• The opportunity to work on unique patient samples to answer important basic and translational research questions
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
• Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)

Further Information

To explore placental development and function across gestation, we study placentas from term delivery, as well as first/second trimester placentas from terminations of pregnancy. Therefore, please note that the role requires you to be comfortable working with such patient samples.

The role also requires some work out-of-hours (after 7pm), particularly for processing of placental samples.

You will be based at the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology at the Hammersmith Campus, with occasional work at St Marys Campus in Paddington.

If you require any further details on the role, please contact:

Beth Holder b.holder@imperial.ac.uk

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