Research Assistant

Job title:

Research Assistant

Company

University College London

Job description

About usThe lab is based within UCL’s Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, housed in the newly built Pears Building in Hampstead. The Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (IIT) brings together a critical mass of more than 20 world-class research groups working at the forefront of translational immunology. Its close links to the adjacent Royal Free London hospital provide an excellent interface between science and medicine. The Division of Infection and Immunity provides an effective infrastructure for immunology/virology research and a lively and sociable environment, always striving for excellence. The Maini lab has a strong track record of success in supporting research assistants and technicians to progress onto competitive PhD schemes, for those who wish to take this step after completing their post.About the roleApplications are invited for a Research Assistant position funded by a Medical Research Council Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme in the Division of Infection and Immunity. Work within the Maini lab aims to translate advances in the understanding of immunity to pathogens and cancer into improved diagnosis and therapy, with a particular focus on harnessing tissue immunity for frontline defence. This position will be focused on the Maini lab’s development of a mucosal-targeted, infection-blocking pan-cornavirus vaccine as part of an international collaboration of cutting-edge immunologists.The successful candidate will join a dynamic group of basic and clinical scientists all working on integrated aspects of the immunopathogenesis and immunotherapy of hepatitis B, liver cancer and SARS-CoV-2. They will primarily work alongside a post-doctoral scientist also funded by this grant.This new funding is based on our exciting finding that memory T cells targeting the highly conserved replication proteins of SARS-CoV-2 can abort infection in its the earliest stages, with excellent potential to cross-recognise variants and other human and animal coronaviruses (Swadling et al, Nature 2022); such responses can acquire tissue-residence in the airways but are not effectively boosted by classical infection or existing vaccines (Diniz, Mitsi et al Nature Immunology 2022, Mitsi, Diniz et al, Nature Comms 2023).About youThe post holder will be an enthusiastic research assistant, expected to assist with high quality research under the direction of the post-doc appointed on this grant and the principal investigator, Mala Maini, working closely with her senior post-doc, Mariana Diniz and with co-investigator and group leader Leo Swadling. They will also interact with other co-applicants and collaborators on this project and other members of the Maini team and allied research groups.Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details. Please also read the attached Candidate Guidance document.All applications must include a supporting statement telling us, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Applications without a supporting statement will be rejected.If you have any queries about the role or application process, have any technical issues, or need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, please contact the staffing team at hr.ii@ucl.ac.uk.What we offerAs well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits some of which are listed below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit to find out more.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.Available documents

Expected salary

Location

North West London

Job date

Sat, 04 May 2024 03:47:05 GMT

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