Research Assistant or Associate for the PAiNTS human challenge study

Job description

About the role

Are you an enthusiastic, organised person with experience working within clinical trials and immunology?

We are looking for a motivated Research Assistant or Associate to join a small team carrying out a type of clinical trial called a human challenge study, to better understand protective immunity to Salmonella typhimurium infections. The focus of the role is how immune responses are shaped by during a primary challenge and convey protection against a second exposure.

What you would be doing

This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant, growing infectious disease research group at Imperial led by Dr Malick Gibani ( weblink ). The post is funded by the Wellcome Trust to investigate correlates of protection against non-Typhoidal Salmonella infection.

You will work as part of a team of clinical staff and research scientists and with multidisciplinary investigators and postdoctoral researchers across partner institutions to help deliver the study. Your role will include laboratory work (including processing blood and stool samples from trial participants following strict SOPs, RNA/DNA extraction, ELISAs, multiplex cytokine assays, and flow cytometry) and some in silico work (integrating clinical phenotypes with immunology and microbiome datasets).

This post is an excellent opportunity to use your previous experience in research to help shape the future of vaccine research for Salmonella Typhimurium.

What we are looking for

We are looking for applicants with a relevant master's degree (Research Assistant) or PhD (Research Associate), and solid experience working in a research laboratory and preferably within clinical trial environments. A developed knowledge of cellular biology, immunology and handling trial samples are skills that you will need for this role.

You will also need:

• The ability to contribute to publications, reports, and presenting your data
• Some understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and how to apply it
• Experience in relevant research methods and statistical methods
• Good knowledge of immunology and some microbiology
• Strong communication skills and team-working abilities
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent record keeping skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage your own time effectively
• Be supportive of all team members and always demonstrate a positive attitude

What we can offer you

• Join as a valuable member of an exciting research group at Imperial

• 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

• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) for a fixed-term contract for 20 months.

The research group is based within the Department of Infectious Disease in the Department of Medicine at Imperial College London.

It is located mainly at South Kensington Campus, although it will be necessary to work in other campuses (Charing Cross) where laboratory facilities are available. Hybrid working is permitted according to Imperial College guidance.

Should you require any further details on the role, please contact Dr Malick Gibani ([email protected]).