Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Job description

Job responsibilities

Research (Scientific and Technical -The post holder will be central to the collection and processing of biological samples collected as part of this prospective study.

They will work alongside a team of clinical research nurses and study coordinators at Kings College Hospital. In addition, they will be responsible for the transfer of samples and data to AstraZeneca laboratories.

Responsible for designing, planning, and executing experiments as part of the translational research study focusing on SLE.

Conduct a number of experimental assays, including developing and running cell phenotype experiments (namely with CyTOF, flow cytometry, RNAseq and spatial transcriptomics). In addition to conducting real-time PCR, microarrays, ELISA and cell culture experiments. Previous experience of these techniques is desirable.

Utilize multiomics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to comprehensively analyze molecular signatures associated with SLE.

Analyze experimental data using bioinformatics tools and statistical methods to derive meaningful insights into the pathogenesis of SLE.

Process research samples from whole blood and tissue.

Participate in all manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.

Maintain and operate equipment and instruments used by the research group, including management of stock (such as laboratory reagents).

Organise shipment of samples to collaborators.

Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, results, and findings.

Prepare research manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals and abstracts for presentation at national and international conferences.

Clinical

Ensure adequate and accurate recording of all clinical data on the secured study database.

Assist in participant recruitment to translational studies. Tasks such as phlebotomy may be required (training can be provided if not currently able to perform task).

Pursue Good Clinical Practice, Human Tissue Act and consent training.

Assist in quality control audits relating to the research study.

Administrative

Plan timing of biological sample collection and facilitate study visits by liaising with relevant members of clinical and biobanking teams.

Ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ethical guidelines are maintained across research activities relating to this study.

Assist in the generation of study relevant paperwork, including ethical applications and grant writing.

Communicate effectively at all times with all members of the study team and participants.

Work alongside the study team to identify potential participants for the study.

Maintain a safe working environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Ensure that staff have completed relevant training within the laboratory research team.

Provide assistance in ordering relevant consumables required to run the study and that supplies are adequately stocked.

Ensure laboratory equipment is in good working order and report any defects appropriately.

Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with the Trust policies, particularly in relation to expected / stored samples.

Assisting with the secure sharing of data with other parties involved in the research study.

Ensure the study is conducted in compliance with Good Clinical Practice and the Human Tissue Authority guidelines.

Education and Training

Provide training to junior members of the laboratory team (including PhD students, clinical research fellows and MSc students). If interested, supervisor roles of MSc students within KCL is possible.

Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and relevant immunological techniques.

Attend local, national and international meetings to present findings of this research.

Opportunities for teaching clinician on immunology will be available, if of interest.

Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary team members, including clinicians, bioinformaticians, and other researchers, to achieve project goals.

Other

Understand and adhere to Trust policies and procedures.

Maintain patient confidentiality and standards of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and contribute to quality assurance activities.

Comply with both local and national standards for safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and laboratory information.

Comply with departmental procedural policies on accessing patient related information on the study database.

Develop and maintain research results database.

Autonomously work within the department operating procedures and protocols.

Maintain good working relationships between keen stakeholders in this research study including the Sponsor (Kings College Hospital), the Funder (AstraZeneca), the laboratory team (based at the James Black Centre), and rheumatology study teams based at Kings College Hospital and Guys and St. Thomas Hospitals.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

Essential

• PhD in immunology, molecular biology or a related field

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Processing of blood samples including PBMC processing and storage
• Profiency in biobanking procedures, multi-omics techniques, and celluar techniques
• Demonstrable project management experience
• Working knowledge of research processes and governance
• An understanding of research-based IT programmes, particularly relating to data analysis

Desirable

• Processing of tissue samples
• A background in laboratory statistical analysis
• Experience in the development of previous cell phenotyping panels
• Proven experience in translational research, preferably in the field of autoimmune diseases

Skills and competencies

Essential

• Experience in flow cytometry and/or CyTOF
• Excellent IT skills including use of research databases

Desirable

• Strong analytical skills and experience with bioinformatic tools for data analysis
• Prior experience in research specific project management and grant writing
• Ability to disseminate scientific knowledge in the form of presentations and publications

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

King's College Hospital Campus - Denmark Hill

James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane

Denmark Hill

SE5 9NU

Employer's website

https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)