Research Assistant: £32,380 - £34,040 per annum
Research Associate: £36,800- £44,220 per annum

The Department of Life Sciences was the top ranked university department in the UK for research intensity in Biological Sciences in REF2014 (Times Higher Education), scoring 100% on our environment.

A Research Assistant/Research Associate position is available to join the laboratory of Professor Gloria Rudenko in the Department of Life Sciences, South Kensington Campus.

The research programme studies the molecular and cellular biology of African trypanosomes (causative agent of African Sleeping Sickness), particularly with regards to mechanisms mediating immune evasion. In particular, the group is interested in the epigenetic control of gene expression. Trypanosomes are single-celled eukaryotes capable of continuously changing their Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat during the course of a chronic infection. Additional information about our research programme is available on our lab website: http://rudenkolab.co.uk/.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To acquire and interpret research data and results.
• To run analyses and tests using specified and agreed techniques and models.
• To prioritise tasks within agreed work schedule.
• To contribute to the development of techniques, models, and methods, for the collection and analysis of data.
• To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times.
• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings.
• To assist in the writing of regular (monthly) internal reports.

Essential requirements:

• Research Assistant: A BSc in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology.
• Research Associate: A PhD in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology.

• Experience with a range of basic molecular techniques including as many as possible of the following :
  • Sterile cell culture and transfection.
  • DNA cloning.
  • DNA and RNA analysis.
  • Nucleic acid and protein analysis through Northern, Southern, and Western blotting.
  • PCR and qPCR.
  • Immunofluorescence microscopy (FACS analysis).

You must also be able to demonstrate

• 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 keep accurate records of research results and activity.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgements in carrying out research tasks.
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines.
• Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets, Internet.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative.

This is a fixed-term position until 31 January 2019 in the first instance.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Gloria Rudenko via email atgloria.rudenko@imperial.ac.uk.

Queries relating to the application process should be directed to Peggy Baker, Senior HR Administrator, at peggy.baker@imperial.ac.uk.

For technical queries when applying online, please contact recruitment@imperial.ac.uk.

Closing date: 17 May 2018 (midnight BST).

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