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JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION
Department of Haematology
UCL Medical School
Cancer Institute &
Royal Free Campus
Research Associate Grade 7
This is a 2 years position at the UCL Medical School, Department of Haematology, initially
based at the UCL-Cancer Institute and later at Katherine Dormandy Haemophilia Centre and
Thrombosis Unit (KDHCHU) at the Royal Free NHS Trust. The project is supported by the Bayer
Haemophilia Programme and will be led by Dr. Vânia Coelho.
Dr Coelho’s group is part of Prof. Nathwani’s team. Her group is interested in the immunology
of B-cells in blood conditions (both in Haemophilia and blood cancers).
MAIN PURPOSE:
The main purpose of this project is the understanding of the nature of inhibitor (neutralizing
antibodies) development in the treatment of Haemophilia A (HA). This project seeks to dissect
the mechanisms of Factor VIII-specific memory B-cell development and regulation. This
includes the identification and characterization of the Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement
pattern in FVIII specific memory B-cells. The generated data will establish if this can be used as
an early marker to identify HA patients that are likely to be resistant to treatment.
THE UCL CANCER INSTITUTE:
The 2007 opening of the Cancer Institute in the Paul O'Gorman Building heralded a new era in
cancer research and medicine at UCL. The Institute is consolidating cancer research across the
campus. In particular, it fosters links between basic cancer researchers across Biomedicine,
and with the clinical activities of our partner Hospitals (University College London Hospitals
including Queen Square, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Royal Free
Hospital).
A particular strength of the research environment at UCL is the strong interface between basic
science and the clinical service in haematology and oncology.
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In addition, our department also enjoys a strong connection with the Bill Lyons Informatic
Centre based at the UCL- Cancer Institute and which facilitates and supports the analysis of the
genomics data.
The UCL Cancer Institute is a world-class facility and as such it contains all of the equipment
expected of such a facility such as flow cytometry and DNA sequencing core facilities amongst
others.
THE KATHERINE DORMANDY HAEMOPHILIA CENTRE AND THROMBOSIS UNIT:
The Katharine Dormandy haemophilia and thrombosis centre (KDHCHU) is a
comprehensive care centre providing a range of services for patients with haemophilia,
von Willebrand's disease, other inherited coagulation factor deficiencies and inherited platelet
disorders.
The KDHCHU, is internationally recognized for innovative basic science and clinical research.
The KDHCHU is the largest centre for bleeding disorders in Europe with >200 patients with HA.
The recent successes of Prof. Nathwani’s haemophilia B gene therapy trial highlight the
translational capability at our institution in executing bench-to-bedside research projects.
This department also enjoys an excellent reputation for immunology studies and exceptional
infrastructure to facilitate the clinical translation of basic and pre-clinical research.
Furthermore a strong and fruitful collaboration exists with Drs Liesner and Mathias at the
Great Ormand Street Hospital where child hemophilia units are run and will facilitate the
access to samples from young patients. In addition, this project will also benefit from the
collaboration with Dr. Alamelu at the Center for Haemostasis and Thrombosis at St Thomas’
Hospital.
THE NATHWANI GROUP:
The main thrust of this group is to develop novel treatment opportunities for cancer and
congenital disorders using gene transfer and/or through manipulation of stem cells. Currently,
the group is involved in a cutting edge gene therapy trial for the treatment of haemophilia B
using a self-complementary adeno-associated viral vector (AAV), in collaboration with St Jude
Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee. Other genetic disorders that are being
evaluated include: Haemophilia A, Congenital FVII and FX deficiency, urea cycle and lysosomal
storage disorders.
OBJECTIVE:
The primary objective of this post is to perform the phenotypic and genotypic analysis of the
FVIII-memory B-cell repertoire.
The successful applicant must be hard working and self-motivated, have extensive experience
with flow cytometry , immunoassays, gene sequencing and primer designing. The successful
applicant will have excellent presentation skills and contribute to training/supervision of junior
members of the group. Most research will be performed at the Royal Free hospital in
Hampstead, with the facilities at the UCL Cancer Institute being available for use as required.
KEY REQUIEREMENTS
The postholder will have a PhD in Immunology or related field, he/she will have knowledge of
research techniques in cellular immunology and flow cytometry, and of gene sequencing.
He/She will also have basic research skills in cell culture, cell staining and immunoassays. The
successful candidate will be able to analyse and write up data and be able to present complex
information effectively to a range of audiences and be able to modify and apply new methods
to advance a project.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLILTIES:
1. Development of B-cell ELISpot
2. Development of phenotypic assays ( flow cytometry)
3. Development of genotypic assays ( mRNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and primer
designing for PCR analysis, PCR )
4. Maintenance of the Hemophilia blood cell and plasma biobank
5. Keeping up-to-date and accurate records of all research performed
6. Communicating results to other members of the team involved in the project
7. Working independently and as part of a team
8. Supervise and train PhD students and research staff
9. To attend research seminars and other departmental meetings as required.
10. To participate in any laboratory duties commensurate with the grade as required.
11. To be aware of and act upon:
Disciplinary procedure and Disciplinary rules
Grievance procedure
Section 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety Work Act
Departmental Fire Guidelines
Equal Opportunities Policy
Compliance with the Health and Safety Regulations of the Department
Health & Safety regulations of the department.
The hours of work and the distribution of these duties and responsibilities are at the
discretion of the research manager.
University College London has adopted an equal opportunities policy and specific regard
should be taken of its content in relation to the treatment of employees or potential
employees.
Please note that UCL operates a system of cashless pay directly into a bank or building
society account. All new employees are, therefore, required to have an account with a
bank or building society as soon as they commence their appointment. Failure to produce
bank details on the first day will result in a delay in payment.
This job description is not meant to be restrictive or exhaustive and duties may change in
response to changing circumstances. These will be discussed with the postholder.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. PhD in a relevant field such as Immunology.
2. Track record of scientific publication in quality journals.
3. Evidence of successful research conducted in a team-based scientific research
environment.
4. Extensive experience with molecular techniques (e.g. mRNA extraction, cDNA
synthesis, PCR, etc)
5. Ability to quickly learn new laboratory assays and research techniques
6. Excellent organizational skills: manage time and work to deadlines
7. Ability to work independently or as part of a team
8. IT skills including knowledge of spreadsheet, presentation and word processing
software
9. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENT:
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Knowledge on the function of B-cell receptor (BCR)
Knowledge on immunoglobulin variable genes ( IVGH)
Experience on B-cell ELISpots
Experience working with blood, blood cells and blood proteins
Experience training/supervising junior staff members
For an informal discussion about the post and other related matters please contact Dr.
Vânia Coelho at tel: 02078302694 or e-mail [email protected].