Research Associate

Job description
Job summary

We are looking for a Research Associate to provide support for the pre-clinical phase of a translational research programme aimed at developing gene therapies for rare lung diseases within the Gene Therapy Group at the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI). The research programme is led by Professors E Alton and U Griesenbach. The Gene Therapy Group is a multi-disciplinary research team and is part of the UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium.

In 2001, the Consortium was formed to pool the expertise and resources of three major groups in the UK (Oxford and Edinburgh Universities and Imperial College), progressing from laboratory studies to the first demonstration that gene therapy can produce improvements in the lungs of CF patients in a Phase 2b clinical trial. This new project will bring together both the translational science and the teams’ expertise in evaluating new therapeutics for the treatment of other lung conditions namely alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency (AATD) and autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP). Viral and non-viral vector technology will be applied. The AATD research project is commercially funded, whereas the aPAP programme is a University-based academic research project.

The postholder will also be expected to contribute to supervision of technicians and students, and participate in teaching related activities within College. S/he should have a PhD in Molecular Biology or related discipline or equivalent research.

Duties and responsibilities

The post will contribute to further develop gene therapies for AAT deficiency and aPAP along a translational path. Both programmes have shown encouraging efficacy in pre-clinical models. In addition, the post holder will be expected to undertake project management and/or supervise multi-disciplinary teams. S/he will also be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research funding as well as contribute to teaching activities at Imperial College.

Essential requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology or related discipline or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Knowledge of gene therapy
• Practical experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques such as vector production, in vitro and in vivo gene transfer, molecular biology, tissue culture
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs with experience in data presentation and statistical analyses

Further information

This role is a fulltime, fixed term contract for 24 months based at the Royal Brompton Campus.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £40,694 – £43,888 per annum.

Candidates need to complete an online application.

Include details about any specific checks needed (E.g. DBS.)

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Julie Fuller , [email protected]

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