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JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Research Technician
Institute:
National Heart and Lung Institute
Section:
Airway Disease
Job Family and Level:
Technical Services, Level 2b
Salary Range:
£23,450 - £26,020 per annum
Responsible To:
Professor Kian Fan Chung,
Location:
NHLI, Dovehouse Street, Royal Brompton Campus
Funding:
Wellcome Trust
Duration:
Full-time and fixed-term until 22 March 2012
Project Title:
Regulation of oxidant and antioxidant balance as a
determinant of airway smooth muscle abnormalities in
asthma and COPD
Research Programme:
The specific aim is to study the mechanisms of exogenously-applied oxidants and of
endogenously-produced oxidant stress such as induced by TGFon the regulation of
antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and catalase in airway smooth muscle
(ASM). We will determine: (i) whether there is an imbalance of oxidant (NOX4) and
antioxidant enzymes (SOD2 and catalase) expression leading to a pro-oxidant state (ii)
whether these enzymes underlie their proliferative/apoptotic state and releasability of IL-8 (iii)
the molecular and signalling pathways of oxidant stress regulating antioxidant enzymes
focusing on the transcription factor FOXO3 and the histone deacetylase, SIRT1 (iv) whether
the regulation of antioxidants by the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) from
patients with asthma and COPD is defective. We hypothesise that there may be distinct
differences between asthmatic and COPD ASM cells, with a greater imbalance in COPD.
Research studies:
These studies have been planned to elucidate molecular abnormalities of airway smooth
muscle in patients with asthma and COPD. This will involve studying tissues and cells
obtained from patients with mild and severe asthma and COPD, and isolating and culturing
airway smooth muscle cells from bronchial biopsies and lung tissues. The research will focus
on the imbalance of oxidant and antioxidant balance in the airway smooth muscle and their
potential effects on airway smooth muscle function. The research will allow a study of the
molecular transcriptional control of anti-oxidant enzyme genes in airway smooth muscle, and
to knock-out these genes by appropriate state-of-the art methods. Functional responses will
include the release of cytokines and expression of host tissue proteins with the performance
of various procedures such as assay of MAP kinases, chromatin immunoprecipitation, gene
knock-down using siRNA, RT-PCR, and DNA-binding measurements, in addition to
measuring monocyte phenotype using FACS analysis. Other potential work involves laser
capture microdissection and immunohistochemistry.
The Research Technician will be responsible for supporting the post-doctoral researcher in
this project. You will be responsible for maintaining airway smooth muscle cells in culture and
participate in experiments done on these airway smooth muscle cells. You will be expected
to perform RT-PCR, Western blots and ELISAs. You will be responsible for certain laboratory
instruments and apparatus. You will also be expected to participate and discuss laboratory
issues in Research group meeting on a regular basis and to present at departmental
meetings.
Technical Duties:
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To receive and dissect airway/lung tissues to dissociate ASM cells, and place these
in culture
To follow daily these cells and change media
To freeze these cells for later use
To make sure that cultures are maintained to high standard of cleanliness and sterility
To help researchers with setting up of experiments
To be able to perform assays such as RTPCR, Western blots and ELISAs
To maintain highly organised and accurate record of these cells and of experimental
work
To be knowledgeable with Tissue tracking rules and their application
To conduct data analysis, ensuring the validity and reliability of data as appropriate
To participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars
To work with other technicians or researchers with other allied scientists within
Imperial College as necessary
Administrative Duties:
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General laboratory administrative duties including ordering
Maintaining stock of routine supplies
Documentation and analysis of experimental data
Participation in local laboratory meetings
Ensuring good laboratory practice is in place
Assist with presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the research
community in general
Assist with preparation of grant reports and scientific publications
Other Duties:
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To help maintain a highly efficient working laboratory
To undertake any necessary training an required
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of this post as directed by the line
manager / supervisor
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, for example Health
and Safety, Data Protection, etc.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in its
Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and all
other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications:
Essential
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BSc in Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research,
industrial or commercial experience
Knowledge and Experience:
Essential
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Knowledge of cell culture techniques and experience of handling cells
Knowledge of working with human tissue and all of the administrative issues
surrounding that
Knowledge of immunology and inflammation to a graduate level
Practical experience in laboratory-based research
Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including RT-PCR, Western
analysis & cell culture
Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs with
experience in data software
Desirable
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Specific experience with cytokine storm/sepsis type models
Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
Skills and Abilities:
Essential
 Methodical approach
 Close attention to detail
 Good interpersonal and organisational skills
 Ability to work with limited supervision and keep meticulous records
 Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
 Willingness to assist in contributing to reports and preparation of results for
publication
 Ability to work as part of a team
 Flexible approach to working hours according to the requirements of the technical
procedures
Other
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Be prepared to have an active involvement with daily running and functioning of the
laboratory
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
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Flexible approach to working hours according to the requirements of the technical
procedures