Research Associate at Imperial College London

Job Summary

Applications are invited for an NIHR Imperial BRC-funded position of Post-Doctoral Research Associate. You will join the NIHR Imperial BRC’s Social Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Health (SGE)Theme (NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre – Translating research into patient benefits), to address the core aim of determining how genetic risk, interpreted in the context of relevant environmental and social contexts, can be translated into improved care through precision-medicine.  You will specifically join the Shovlin group within Vascular Science in National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), where the team address different aspects of genomics and cell biology for early translation to health (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/c.shovlin). The position is available full time for 2 years in the first instance.

The research brings together major disciplines in social, environmental, cellular and genomic science. Our genomic focus is on DNA variants which are rare individually, but in totality common. Specifically, we focus on the novel areas of stress-related, rare DNA variants defined by the Shovlin group including premature termination codons from frameshift and nonsense variants, that persist at variable levels despite nonsense mediated decay (Bernabeu-Herrero et al, Blood 2024), and rare functional variants impacting 3’ UTR cleavage and polyadenylation (Xiao et al, Am J Hum Genet 2023).  The Shovlin group have set up a system of same-day peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultures in near-native conditions that enables dynamic responses to stressors to be tested individually, in combination, and in the setting of particular environmental contexts (Xiao et al Am J Hum Genet 2023; Li et al, 2024 in review).

The PDRA will work in a team of academic and community partners recruiting individuals with different background exposures and genotypes to test differential cellular responses to acute (<4hr) responses in primary human PBMCs treated with one or more stresses.  By integrating the cellular platform with the public-health facing elements of the SGE Theme, the approaches provide unique opportunities for an innovative scientist.

Duties and responsibilities

• You will join a multidisciplinary team, working closely with the NIHR Imperial BRC’s Genomic Facility and Tissue Bank, and be responsible for designing and performing PBMC culture systems that optimise expected genotype and environmental differences in the setting of primary stress responses.
• You will generate samples for RNA-Seq, analyse RNASeq datasets, and use flow cytometric evaluations of the phospho-proteome to validate your findings.
• You will communicate the science to the public, and work with community partners to co-design future approaches and applications.
• The environment is ideal for a candidate who is keen to work in a team, develop supervision skills, learn new techniques and span multiple approaches and disciplines. Experience in whole blood processing and clinical biobank management is desirable.

Essential requirements

• You should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant biological discipline. A strong background in molecular biology and cell culture is essential.
• Previous experience in flow cytometry, basic techniques including qPCR and western blotting, and RNA-seq dataset generation and analysis are essential. Experience in bioinformatic methods using R, Python or equivalent is desirable. Familiarity with cell biology, acute cellular stress responses and data analytics are essential.
• Knowledge of nonsense mediated decay, 3’ UTR and/or premature termination codon biology is desirable.
• The post will require collaboration with groups within and outside the department, and the ability to coordinate research projects with colleagues across the BRC and College. Enthusiasm, drive, a problem-solving attitude, and a passion for science are essential.

Further Information

This is a Full-time, fixed term contract for 24 months based in Hammersmith Hospital.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £40,694 – £43,888 per annum.

Candidates need to complete an online application.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact Claire Shovlin c.shovlin@:imperial.ac.uk

For technical issues when applying online please email sjobs@ic.ac.uk

Closing date: 12/04/2024