Research Associate – INTERNAL ONLY

Job id: 086331. Salary: £43,205 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 14 March 2024. Closing date: 20 March 2024.

Business unit: Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. Department: Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

Contact details:Dr Shahram Kordasti. [email protected]

Location: Guy’s Campus. Category: Research.

Job description
THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

This post-doctoral position is to work in Dr Kordasti ‘s group at King’s College London. We are currently investigating the role of inflammation in myeloid malignancies and in particular Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). To further investigate the interaction between the malignant clone and immune cells in an inflammatory environment. We would like to use bone marrow organoids to replicate the inflammatory microenvironment as described in MPN.

We seek a talented, productive and motivated postdoc with a desire to work in a congenial, dynamic and collaborative research team. The post holder will be part of the team of researchers working in Dr Kordasti’s team at King’s.

The successful candidate should have in-depth knowledge and experience in relevant areas of stem cells and preferably organoids. Candidates must have expertise in a wide range of stem cell biology and molecular techniques, including primary stem cell isolation/characterisation/culture, flow cytometry and cell sorting as well as imaging techniques. The post-holder will be expected to lead their own projects, engage in the research activities of the team, and guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.

The post-holder is expected to write up results in the form of reports and publications, and present research outcomes at project meetings and national and international meeting.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 24 months in the first instance.

This is a full-time  post – 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

• The post holder needs to be able to use of a wide range of laboratory techniques and experimental strategies to meet the objectives of the project.
• The post holder will prepare manuscripts for publication and present data at internal and external scientific meetings.
• The post holder must be able (or be prepared to learn) to supervise research assistants and students at undergraduate and PhD level.
• The post holder will perform laboratory research related to the project. The appointee will attend regular progress meetings to ensure the successful conduct of the project. They will also be involved in data analysis and dissemination of research, including working on publications and attending meetings/conferences.
• To work occasionally outside normal office hours
• To contribute to the overall activity of the department as required

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria  

A PhD in Cancer cell biology, Immunology, or a related subject

Research experience in immunology and tumour microenvironment

Research experience in maintaining 3D cell culture.

Excellent knowledge of the following areas: Hematopoietic stem cell niche and immune cell interaction

Advanced skills and extensive experience working with cell culture, immunology and basic aspects of microscopy and flow cytometry.

Time and resource management

Ability to engage in multiple research projects simultaneously.

Supervision of undergraduate students in research projects and support with supervision of PhD students 

Demonstrate a high level of analytical and problem-solving capability.

Ability to communicate complex information with clarity.

Excellent communication, research dissemination skills, interpersonal and networking skills

Publications

Desirable criteria

Knowledge of organoid generation

Track record of peer-reviewed, primary authorship scientific publications in high-profile journals

Applicant should be in a position to bring individual skills and insights to the research, for example suggesting ideas, methodologies, and interpretations.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.