Download HM2011062 - Research Associate, Immunobiology, (II)

Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
Section:
Immunobiology
Division:
Immunology and Inflammation
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary Range:
£26,860 - £30,680 per annum
Responsible To:
Dr Ewen Gallagher
Funding:
Cancer Research UK
Location:
Hammersmith Hospital campus
Duration:
Fixed-term for 34 months
Project Title:
Molecular genetic characterisation of the pathways
by which MEK kinase controls invariant Natural
Killer T cell apoptosis and proliferation.
Research Programme: Lymphocyte Signalling
The research programme in Lymphocyte Signalling led by Dr Ewen Gallagher
focuses on understanding the complexities of understanding signal transduction
mechanisms in the immune system.
For many years we have known that white blood cells are controlled by complex
signalling programmes initiated by receptors on their cell surface. Understanding the
intricate mechanisms that comprise the signal transduction pathways in white blood
cells (lymphocytes) is of great importance to modern biomedical research. These
control many vital cellular responses, encompassing cell death to proliferation, and
are also found to signal erroneously in many autoimmune diseases, for example
rheumatoid arthritis.
Several lymphocyte receptors can relay these messages by the protein kinase MEK
kinase 1 (MEKK1) to activate the enzyme Itch, which then labels target proteins
inside cells with a modification called ubiquitin (Ub), leading to their degradation or
alteration of cellular function. Itch integrates upstream signals from receptors to
become activated and can then differentially regulate numerous target proteins
important for the biology of white blood cells depending on the specific receptor
signalling programmes initiated. Some of the fundamental biological processes that
are regulated by Itch include the decision of cells to die or differentiate further as part
of the immune response. The research defines mechanisms of Itch regulation at the
molecular level and this will lead to a better understanding of white blood cell biology,
and long-term may facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches to
modify the immune system to combat disease.
The research aims are to understand the mechanisms of signal transduction
mediated by the kinase enzymes TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and MEKK1 in
lymphocytes from the important Tumor Necrosis Family of receptors (TNFRs).
TNFRs relay information from the surface of lymphocytes to the gene expression
machinery and other intracellular targets for signalling to control fundamental cellular
decisions, for example: survival, apoptosis, antibody secretion and migration.
Job Summary
The post is funded by Cancer Research UK to characterize the extent of the MEKK1dependent defect in iNKT and T cell biology, and extend the analysis beyond MEKK1
itself to the analyses of the downstream signalling pathways MEKK1 regulates, and
the mechanisms by which MEKK1 controls iNKT and T cell apoptosis and
proliferation.
To carry out research programmes in lymphocyte signalling undertake project
management and/or supervise multi-disciplinary teams. In addition, he/she will be
expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research
funding.
Research Duties
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To take initiatives in the planning of research
To direct the work of small research teams
To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection
and analysis of data
To conduct data analysis
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To write reports for submission to research sponsors
To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
To submit publications to refereed journals
To provide guidance to staff and students
To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the
wider community
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
To provide guidance to PhD students
Contribute to bids for research grants
To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision
To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work
To actively participate in the research programme of the Group and Unit
To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and
international meetings
To participate in Group/Unit research meetings and internal seminars
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the
requirements of the project demand
To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and
elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
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To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s/Unit’s laboratories and,
facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the
laboratories
Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research
students and research assistants as required
To comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend
courses on safety when appropriate
Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as
Head of Division/Department/Section
Other Duties
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant meetings
To comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations,
Equal Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and
Safety Policy, Information Systems Security Policy, Intellectual Property
Rights and Register of Interests Policies
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager/supervisor
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and so the post holder may be required
to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
The post holder is expected to observe and comply with all College policies
and regulations, for example Health and Safety, Data Protection etc.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out
in our Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and Disability Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice
frameworks.
Person Specification
Qualifications
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PhD in Biological or Medical Sciences or a closely related discipline, or
equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
Knowledge / Experience
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Knowledge of Immunology, signal transduction, and molecular biology
Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in
relevant and refereed journals
Dealing with specific groups of people, e.g. sponsors, patients
Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including cellular
immunology, cell signaling, molecular biology, and murine models
Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programmes
with experience in data presentation and statistical analyses
Desirable
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Experience of iNKT and T cell Immunology or cancer immunology
Experience with the use of imaging software
Skills and Abilities
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Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Creative approach to problem-solving
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range
of people
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to
produce a high standard of work
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the
Internet
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and attend conferences
Application Guidance
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your
application, how much you feel you meet each of the criteria. If you need more
space, please attach additional sheets to the application form.
The recruitment monitoring section of your application will be detached and will be
used only for monitoring and audit purposes as a basis for supporting our
commitment to Equal Opportunities.
An application form and full CV quoting reference number HM2011062 should be
sent, by the closing date 8 May 2011, online via the Imperial College iRecruitment
website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.