Research Associate in Immunometabolism & Cellular Physiology

Salary: Research Associate £50,733-£59484 

Location:

Hammersmith (on-site only) 

About the role: 

Supported by BBSRC funding, we are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the group of Dr Rachel Lai at Imperial College London. 

Macrophages are essential sentinels of innate immunity, but their dysregulated activation drives severe inflammatory diseases. Macrophage activation requires the convergence of biophysical and biochemical inputs, including acute metabolic shifts, ionic fluxes and oxidative stress. Working within a dynamic, multi-institutional team, you will employ biological and analytical assays and tools to define the physiological checkpoints that determine how macrophages integrate these stress signals and transition from homeostasis to a proinflammatory state. 

What you would be doing: 

• You will lead studies investigating how metabolic and ionic shifts govern macrophage activation, taking responsibility for experimental planning and execution, data analysis and manuscript preparation.
• Working closely with members of the Lai group and collaborators across the multi-institutional team, you will develop and apply experimental approaches to deliver the project’s scientific aims.
• You will also supervise and train students, share expertise with colleagues and contribute to the day-to-day running of the laboratory.
• You will present findings at scientific conferences, prepare reports for research funders and contribute to future grant applications. 

What we are looking for: 

We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative scientist with: 

• A PhD in Immunology, Physiology, Cell Biology or a closely related discipline.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £45,399 - £48,876 per annum.

• Practical experience with primary macrophages or relevant cell-culture models, with strong knowledge of innate immunity and macrophage biology.
• Experience studying immunometabolism or cellular physiology, including functional immunology and biochemical assays.
• Ability to lead independent research and work collaboratively, with experience in experimental planning, data analysis and scientific writing. 

Experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable but not essential: measuring cellular ion fluxes or transporter/channel activity, mass spectrometry-based proteomics or metabolomics, bioinformatics or computational analysis of omics datasets, or working with small-animal models. Holding a relevant UK personal licence would also be advantageous. 

What we can offer you: 

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• 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 is a full-time (35 h/w), fixed-term post for 48 months.

For more information, please contact Dr Rachel Lai (rachel.lai@imperial.ac.uk)                                                                   

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