Download Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases

LONDON SCHOOL OF HYGIENE & TROPICAL MEDICINE
(University of London)
FACULTY OF INFECTIOUS AND TROPICAL DISEASES
DEPARTMENT OF IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
PROJECT RESEARCH FELLOW
FURTHER PARTICULARS
1. ADVERTISEMENT
We are seeking to appoint an experienced post-doctoral malaria researcher to join a new pilot
project: In vitro Drug Sensitivity of Imported Malaria Parasites in which malaria parasites collected
from consenting patients with imported malaria will be tested for drug sensitivity using an ex vivo
approach. This is funded by the Medicine for Malaria Venture (MMV), who will provide a panel of
investigational drugs to test against our novel parasites. The position is offered full-time for the
duration of the funding period, which is one year from the 1st January 2012 with a possibility for
extension.
The post-holder will have responsibility for oversight of this project, including direct liaison with the
Department of Clinical Parasitology at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD), UCLH. Duties will
include explaining the project to patients and obtaining written consent (Ethics Approval). It is
therefore necessary that the successful applicant be eligible to work in the NHS in a patient-contact
role. An honorary appointment at HTD will be arranged.
The individual will also be responsible for laboratory work associated with this project, and everyday
routine duties for the Sutherland group as required.
The post is funded until 31st December 2012, with a possibility for extension. Salary is £35,511 per
annum inclusive.
Applications should be made on-line via our website at http://jobs.lshtm.ac.uk and the reference for
this post is CS-4. A CV and names of two referees, who may be approached immediately, if
shortlisted should also be included with the on-line application. Any queries regarding the application
process may be addressed to [email protected]. Please quote reference CS-4.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is committed to being an equal
opportunities employer.
2.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is one of Europe’s leading schools of Public
Health and a leading postgraduate institution worldwide for research and postgraduate education in
global health.
Part of the University of London, the London School is the largest institution of its kind in Europe with
a remarkable depth and breadth of expertise encompassing many disciplines. The School was ranked
one of the top 3 research institutions in the country in the Times Higher Education’s 'table of
excellence', which is based on the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). In 2009, the School
became the first UK institution to win the Gates Award for Global Health.
The School’s environment is a rich multicultural one: there are almost 4000 students from 100+
countries following 22 taught masters courses delivered either in London (~650) or through distance
learning (~2700), and undertaking research degree training (~400). Over 40% of these students are
from non-European countries. The largest growth has been in distance learning students (>40% over
3 years), though the London-based student population (where accommodation limits growth) is at its
highest level ever. Alumni are working in more than 180 countries. The School has about 1400 staff
drawn from over 60 nationalities.
There are research collaborations with over 100 countries throughout the world, utilizing our critical
mass of multidisciplinary expertise which includes clinicians, epidemiologists, statisticians, social
scientists, economists, molecular biologists, immunologists, ophthalmologists, anthropologists,
virologists, pharmacologists and nutritionists. At any one time around 100 School staff are based
overseas, particularly in Africa and Asia. We have a strong commitment to partnership with institutions
in low and middle income countries to support the development of teaching and research capacity.
The School has expanded greatly in recent years. Its research funding now exceeds £67M per
annum, much of it from highly competitive national and international sources. The commitment of staff
to methodological rigour, innovative thinking and policy relevance will ensure that the School
continues to occupy a leadership position in national and global health, adapting quickly to new
challenges and opportunities.
Mission
The School's mission is to improve health in the UK and worldwide through excellence in public and
global health research, teaching and knowledge translation, working in partnership.
Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases
The Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases encompasses all of the laboratory-based research in
the School as well as that on the clinical and epidemiological aspects of infectious and tropical
diseases. It is headed by Simon Croft, who is Professor of Parasitology. The range of disciplines
represented in the faculty is very broad and inter-disciplinary research is a feature of much of our
activity. The spectrum of diseases studied is wide and there are major research groups with a focus
on malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, vaccine development
and evaluation, and vector biology and disease control. The Faculty is organised into four large
research departments comprising: Pathogen Molecular Biology, Immunology and Infection, Disease
Control, and Clinical Research. There is close interaction between scientists in different research
teams. The Faculty has strong overseas links, which provide a basis for field studies and international
collaborations in developed and developing countries. The teaching programme includes MSc
courses, taught in-house and by distance learning, which are modular in structure, a variety of shortcourses and an active doctoral programme (PhD and DrPH).
Department of Immunology and Infection (Head: Professor Eleanor Riley)
Research in the Department of Immunology and Infection centres on analysis of the host response to
infection at the molecular, cellular and population levels. The goals are to develop a greater
understanding of basic mechanisms of immunological protection versus pathology, and to apply this
knowledge to the development of immunological interventions and the identification of correlates of
immune status. Our work involves application of state-of-the-art cellular and molecular approaches to
Page -2-
the in vitro analysis of pathogen-host cell interactions, to in vivo studies in models and to the study of
immunity at the population level in disease endemic areas. Main areas of research include the
regulation of acute and chronic inflammation; macrophage-pathogen interactions; cellular
pharmacology; the production of cytokines during innate and acquired immune responses; T-cell
function and antigen recognition; the mechanisms of immunopathology; the development of vaccines;
and delivery systems for vaccines and drugs.
Current research includes the role of acute phase proteins in resistance to infection, homeostasis and
inflammatory disease, mechanisms of macrophage activation, control of cytokine synthesis and
mammalian lectin interactions (J. Raynes); intracellular trafficking and secretory pathways of cells of
the immune system (T. Ward); the role of innate responses in resistance to the bacterial pathogens,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Burkholderia pseudomallei, activity and regulation of natural killer
cells and their effect on macrophage activation and recruitment, regulation of chemokine receptors
during infection and granulomatous tissue responses in the lung against Cryptococcus neoformans
and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (G. Bancroft); correlates of protection against tuberculosis and
studies of BCG vaccination, human CD8+ T-cell responses to mycobacterial antigens and synthetic
peptides, use of whole blood assays in immuno-epidemiology (H. Dockrell); cytokine and chemokine
responses to leprosy, cellular composition and effects of steroids on skin and nerve lesions of
reactional leprosy, identification of specific peptides for immunodiagnosis of leprosy (S. Young);
innate and adaptive immunity to malaria including activation of natural killer cells, cytokine regulation
in clinical immunity and immunopathology, regulation of antibody production and immunoglobulin
class switching (E. Riley); using anti-malarial antibodies as a marker of malaria exposure &
assessment of the use of sero-epidemiology to monitor and target malaria control measures
www.seromap.com (C. Drakeley)transmission of Plasmodium falciparum malaria including antibody
responses to gametocyte-infected erythrocyte surface antigens, effect of gamete antigen variability on
transmission, gametocyte sequestration and development and gametocyticidal drug therapy (C.
Sutherland); characterisation of protective immune mechanisms and defined antigens in attenuated
vaccine models of schistosomiasis (Q. Bickle); impact of concomitant viral, bacterial, protozoal and
helminth infections on induction of immune responses and immunopathology and T cell regulation
and induction of mucosal immune responses during intestinal nematode infections (H. Helmby); the
identification and evaluation of novel drugs and drug delivery systems for leishmaniasis,
trypanosomiasis and malaria, interaction between antiprotozoal drugs and the immune response (L.
Vivas, V. Yardley)
Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology (Head: Professor John Kelly)
Research in the Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology focuses on the molecular biology and
genetics of pathogens and their hosts in the context of improving the understanding and control of
infectious diseases. Aspects of pathogen biology of interest include: (i) determining the mechanisms
of infection of globally important viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens; (ii) deciphering the genetic
diversity of selected disease agents in natural populations and to determine its epidemiological
impact, (iii) studying immune evasion mechanisms of particular disease agents, (iv) exploiting
parasitic, bacterial and viral pathogens as model biological systems and (v) developing practical
applications including improved diagnostic tests and the identification and characterisation of vaccine
candidates and drug targets.
PMBD currently has funding to investigate, amongst others, the malaria parasite (Plasmodium spp),
Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), African sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei), amoebic
dysentery (Entamoeba), the Leishmania species, bacterial food borne pathogens (Campylobacter
jejuni and Yersinia enterocolitica), gastric ulcers/cancer (Helicobacter pylori), pseudomembranous
colitis (Clostridium difficile), plague (Yersinia pestis), paddy field melioidosis (Burkholderia
pseudomallei), Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), Pneumonia (Streptococcus pneumoniae),
Bluetongue viral disease of livestock, Herpesviridae, SARS, the hemorrhagic fever virus (RVFV) and
the enteric rotavirus that cause significant diarrhoeal disease in infants developing countries.
Page -3-
The long-term aim of PMBD research is to gain a fully rounded understanding of the complex and
dynamic ways by which pathogens modulate virulence and interact with the human host. Such a
holistic approach will vastly increase the scope for the rational of design of long-term intervention
strategies to reduce the burden of infectious disease. In recent years such a mission has been
significantly enhanced by the availability of whole genome sequences. Members of the Department
are, or have been, involved in several pathogen genome projects including Herpes, Campylobacter
jejuni, Yersinia pestis, Clostridium difficile, Entamoeba and Trypanosome species. In particular, post
genome studies have facilitated research on more complex parasites such as Plasmodium,
Entamoeba and Trypanosome species. The interpretation and exploitation of this basic information is
the platform for numerous new avenues of research on pathogenesis, epidemiology and the evolution
of virulence.
Department of Clinical Research (Head: Prof Alison Grant)
The Department of Clinical Research addresses infectious diseases of major public health importance
in developing countries. Activities include trials of new therapies, vaccines and educational
interventions; the development of new diagnostic tests; studies to elucidate the immunological and
molecular correlates of pathogenesis and protective immunity, and to identify genetic polymorphisms
conferring protection or susceptibility to infectious diseases; health services research which aims to
identify the most efficient and cost-effective way to deliver health care; and health policy analysis. In
addition to our many overseas collaborations, we have close links with the Hospital for Tropical
Diseases, in new, purpose-built accommodation on the main UCL Hospital campus, five minutes walk
from the School. The Wellcome Trust Bloomsbury Centre for Clinical Tropical Medicine is based in
the Department, and currently supports five Clinical Training Fellows and two Career Development
Fellows, most of whom are based overseas.
Much of the Department’s research concerns HIV and related infections; in particular, the interaction
between HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases, and between HIV infection and
tuberculosis. We have longstanding and fruitful collaborations addressing these issues in Tanzania,
Zambia, Uganda and South Africa. Brian Greenwood FRS is leading an initiative to strengthen
malaria research in the School through new collaborative links in Africa. Research and teaching on
blinding diseases in developing countries has been greatly strengthened by the recruitment of Allen
Foster, who is Medical Director of CBM International, an NGO with programmes for the prevention of
blindness and disability in over 100 countries; our research on trachoma has played an important part
in framing the strategies adopted by the WHO and the new International Trachoma Initiative for the
elimination of blinding trachoma by the year 2020.
Department of Disease Control (Head: Dr Mark Rowland)
This multidisciplinary Department includes epidemiologists, entomologists, anthropologists and social
scientists, clinical scientists, public health engineers, and geographers. This range of expertise
provides us with a battery of tools for focusing on the control of diseases that are insect-borne, waterborne or associated with poor hygiene – mostly in developing countries. Much of the research can be
categorised as: evaluating disease control interventions; investigating implementation strategies including working with the private sector; understanding the factors underlying household behaviour in
relation to family health; or determining how control resources can be targeted most efficiently.
Particular attention is paid to research directed at current health policy issues, including the gap
between policy and practice. The DFID Resource Centre for Water and Environmental Health (WELL)
and the Hygiene Centre make up the Department’s Environmental Health Group, which plays a
leadership role in research and operational support for hygiene promotion, water supply and
sanitation. The Department also houses the largest research group in LSHTM working on malaria
control, including the DIFD Team for Applied Research to Generate Effective Tools and Strategies for
communicable disease control (TARGETs) and the Malaria Capacity Development Consortium
(MCDC). The Department’s valuable mosquito colonies are used for testing repellent products and
insecticides in the laboratory. The Department also includes a major grouping of researchers using
spatial analysis in public health.
Page -4-
Teaching
The School offers 22 one year full-time taught courses leading to the Master of Science (MSc) degree
of the University of London and the Diploma of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
(DLSHTM). The Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases runs or contributes substantially to ten of
these courses and the “Immunology of Infectious Diseases” course is run from within the Department
of Immunology and Infection. In addition, the Faculty is responsible for the three-month Diploma in
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTM&H) and offers a range of specialist short courses lasting usually
one or two weeks. Three MSc courses are also offered by Distance-based Learning, including one on
Infectious Diseases.
Teaching requirements
For research assistants and research fellows:
To contribute to the Faculty teaching programme, up to 10% of your time per annum,
to the policy of any funding agency (by agreement, some staff may make a
contribution than this).
For lecturers and above:
To contribute to the Faculty teaching programme, up to 15% of your time per annum,
to the policy of any funding agency (by agreement, some staff may make a
contribution than this).
subject
greater
subject
greater
Research Training
The School offers two doctoral training programmes. The MPhil/PhD degrees are designed for those
who wish to go on to a full time research career. The DrPH is directed towards those who expect
their careers to be more in the practice of public health.
Funder Information
MMV was established as a not-for-profit public-private partnership in 1999, and registered in
Switzerland. Today, it is a leading product development partnership (PDP) in the field of antimalarial
drug research and development. More information can be found at www.mmv.org/
Page -5-
3. JOB DESCRIPTION
Post: Research Fellow in Parasite Biology
Grade:
AP6
Responsible to:
Dr Colin Sutherland, Reader
Department:
Immunology and Infection
Start date:
As soon as possible
The post-holder will have responsibility for oversight of this project, including direct liaison with the
Department of Clinical Parasitology at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD), UCLH. Duties will
include explaining the project to patients and obtaining written consent (Ethics Approval). It is
therefore necessary that the successful applicant be eligible to work in the NHS in a patient-contact
role. An honorary appointment at HTD will be arranged.
The individual will also be responsible for laboratory work associated with this project, and everyday
routine duties for the Sutherland group as required.
In addition to the general description of work, the following specific details apply:
Project-related Duties
1. Obtaining consent from malaria patients for use of diagnostic blood samples in parasite-based
research.
2. Processing and transport of these samples to LSHTM laboratories for ex vivo drug
evaluations.
3. Provision of training in these procedures to staff, students and visitors as appropriate
4. To assist in the day to day running of the Sutherland group research lab.
5. To attend meetings with MMV in Geneva.
Administration
1. Responsibility for ordering and maintaining supplies essential for the project and related
research work
2. To organise meetings to discuss procedures and results.
Other Duties
1. To attend relevant Unit and Departmental meetings as appropriate.
2. To contribute to the Faculty teaching programme, up to 10% of your time per annum, subject
to the policy of any funding agency (by agreement, some staff may make a greater
contribution than this).
3. To co-operate and liaise with staff of the Dept of Clinical Parasitology, HTD.
4. Any other reasonable duties requested by the PI.
Page -6-
4. PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
A PhD in biological sciences.
Experience with in vitro propagation of Plasmodium falciparum.
Experience with experimental laboratory work in parasitology, at containment category 3.
Proven ability to organise and execute a laboratory research project with minimal supervision.
Proven ability to perform independent laboratory work and document results to a high standard.
Desirable
Experience with and knowledge of in vitro drug sensitivity testing of Plasmodium parasites.
Proven record in developing and trouble-shooting novel lab techniques.
Experience in oversight and training of junior staff.
Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-institutional setting involving collaboration with clinical staff.
5.
SALARY AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
The post is funded until 31st December 2012, with a possibility for extension. Salary is £35,511 per
annum inclusive. The successful candidate will be placed on the scales according to skills and
experience. Annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year for all staff (pro-rata for part-time
staff). In addition to this there are 6 fixed-date "Director's Days".
6.
APPLICATIONS
Applications should be made on-line via our website at http://jobs.lshtm.ac.uk and the reference for
this post is CS-4. Closing date for the receipt of applications is (To be confirmed).
Online
applications will be accepted by the automated system until midnight of the closing date. Any queries
regarding the application process may be addressed to [email protected].
The supporting statement section should set out how your qualifications, experience and training
meet each of the selection criteria. Please provide one or more paragraphs addressing each
criterion. The supporting statement is an essential part of the selection process and a failure to
provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered. An answer to any of the
criteria such as “Please see attached CV” will not be considered acceptable.
Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date it may not be
possible to offer you an alternative date.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is committed to being an equal opportunities
employer
Page -7-