Research Technician in Respiratory Virus and Vaccine Immunology

Location: Hammersmith Campus

About the role:

Do you have excellent technical/organisational ability and wish to grow your laboratory skills in immunology as a Research Technician within a multi-disciplinary group working on a unique programme of experimental medicine to accelerate the delivery of next-generation vaccines?

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. 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. 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.

What we are looking for:

You should have

• relevant qualifications;
• experience in human immunology research and relevant research techniques (see below) to quickly be able to run these assays independently after some training;
• a strong interest in 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 study 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:

• Training and experience within a well-supported translational research team that leads international consortia using specialised methods including controlled human infection, lower airway and lymphoid tissue sampling.
• The opportunity to develop your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This post is full-time, fixed term for 12 months in the first instance.

It is available with an immediate start date and based mainly at the Hammersmith Campus with occasional traveling to the St Mary’s or Charing Cross Campuses as required.

If you require any further details, please contact Prof Chris Chiu:(c.chiu@imperial.ac.uk).

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