University College London Medical School

University College London Medical School

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

DIVISION OF MEDICINE

Research Associate in Respiratory Cell Biology

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post:Research Associate

Grade:Grade 7

Location:Bloomsbury

Salary: £34,056 - £40,055per annum incl LA

Reporting to: Professor Rachel Chambers

Accountable to:Divisional Director

Hours of work:36.5 hours per week

Terms andIn accordance with the conditions of employment as laid down in the

Conditions:relevant UCL handbook

Summary of post:

Applications are invited for an experienced postdoctoral research associate to join the multidisciplinary research group lead by Professor Rachel Chambers within UCL Respiratory, to coordinate research into the molecular pathomechanisms underlying fibrosis and lung remodelling in the context of chronic respiratory disease.

The post is funded as part of a long term collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline focussed on the discovery of novel targets and therapeutic interventions for this group of respiratory disorders. A major focus of this post will be the identification and validationof novel therapeutic targets using both focussed interrogation of promising pathways and open-platform technologies. This will be achieved by adopting an integrated whole systems approach involving human lung tissue samples, transgenic and pharmacological approaches using a variety of human disease model systems and in vitro experiments with primary human lung cells.

The post will be suited to a highly motivated andexperienced postdoctoral researcherwith a strong desire to develop novel therapeutic approaches for respiratory diseases andwith a track record of research excellence,as evidenced by a strong publication record. Ideally theindividual would have priorworking experience of academic-industry partnerships or a keen interest in developing in this area. As an experienced researcher, the postholder will be expected to work independently under the programme leadership of Professor Chambers at UCL inclose collaboration with Dr Andy Blanchard (Respiratory CEDD, GSK). Theywill be expected to coordinate the research strategy for a portfolio of projects to betaken forward by a dynamic team of scientists at UCL which comprisesthree postdoctoral technicians and five PhD students. The post will be largely based within the researchlaboratories at UCL, but there will be opportunity for the postholder to interactwith scientists at GSK and gain access to research facilities in Stevenage.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Laboratory-based scientific research:

• Conduct studies usingin vitro model systems to assess activation, proliferation and differentiation programmes in lung derived cells (e.g. assessment of myofibroblast marker genes/proteins by high content assay, Western blotting and qRT-PCR in the presence/absence of pharmacological interventions or siRNA.

• Acquire highly purified samples from ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo model systems to assessof genomic, transcriptomic or proteomic profiles using open-platform technologies.

• Develop bioinformatic strategies for the analysis of open platform derived data(e.g. NGS and proteomic data)

• Immunohistochemical analysis of ex vivo tissue.

• Assist with routine running of laboratory, including rotational generallaboratory jobs and monthly clean-ups

Non-laboratory duties:

• Playa major role in formulating scientific strategy for themanagement of a portfolio of projects under the programme directorship ofProfessor Chambers (UCL), Dr Paul Mercer (UCL) and Dr Andy Blanchard (GSK)

• To assist with the management and coordination the day-to-day activities of GSK-funded researchtechnicians and students.

• Compile written reports, reviews and peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication in high impact journals

• Compile accurate experimental records and perform statistical analysis of

primary data

• Present data for publication, oral presentation and annual reporting

• Conduct data integrity checks to ensure all data has been reviewed and approved for publication andpublic dissemination, involving interaction with appropriate GSK personnel

• Provide assistance with the induction and training of research staff and students as requested

• Providing assistance with ordering of lab and project-specific consumables.

• Provide assistance in the organisation of departmental seminars and journal clubs

• Organise face-to-face meetings and teleconferences with appropriatepersonnel at GSK, including coordinating diaries and room bookings.

• As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder

• The postholder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit

and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager

• The postholder will actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities

and Race Equality policies

• The postholder will maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health & Safety Regulations

Research Associate in Respiratory Cell Biology

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Qualifications:

Essential:BSc Biological Sciences (minimum 2.1 or equivalent)

PhD in Biological Sciences/Biomedical Research

Desirable:Broad knowledge of cell biology, with either specific expertise in cell signalling and/or gene regulation

Skills and abilities:

Essential:Work experience in a broad range of contemporary laboratory techniques used in cell biology and cell signalling, including but not restricted to: culture of primary mammalian cells (e.g. fibroblasts, epithelial cell culture at air-liquid interface), laser capture microdissection (LCM), nucleic acid purification and analysis (PCR, qRT-PCR, RNAseq).

Experience inELISA, western blotting, FACS analysis, high content imaging, immunoctyofluorescence and immunohistochemistry of patient tissue samples

Statistical analysis of scientific data

Desirable:Experience in bioinformatics (e.g. analysis of NGS data)

Reverse-phase HPLC

In vivomodels and semi-quantitative imaging (e.g. microCT)

Genetic manipulation (siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR etc)

Experience:

Essential: Postdoctoral experience in cell and molecular biology, cell signallingand/or molecular pharmacology

Evidence of successful post-doctoral training and scientific innovation as evidenced by publications in high-quality journals

Desirable: Research experience in the setting of respiratory disease and/or cancer biology

Experience of working with industry partners

Aptitudes:

Essential: Ability to assist with the management of a team of scientists at various stages of their scientific training

Ability to work independently and of managing a portfolio of mile-stone driven projects

Highly effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to present research at departmental, national andinternational conferences

Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills

Experience in assisting with managing multiple stakeholders, including interactions with the pharmaceutical industry

Ability to abide by UCL H&S and Equal Opps Policy

- 1 -