Research Assistant in Immunology

University of Surrey; Guildford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is seeking motivated scientists for a research project investigating immunosenescence and cognitive decline. The role involves conducting human research, processing samples, and performing cellular experiments. Ideal candidates have a BSc in a relevant field and experience in cellular techniques. The university offers generous benefits including flexible working options, training opportunities, and excellent facilities. A positive, self-motivated attitude is essential.

Benefits

Generous pension

Flexible working options

Access to leisure facilities

Travel schemes

Family-friendly benefits

Qualifications

• Experience or knowledge of cell/tissue culture.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Positive, flexible attitude with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct human research and collect/process human samples.
• Plan and perform cellular and molecular immunology experiments.
• Measure autonomic function and undertake cognitive assessments.
• Support study organisation and contribute to data analysis.
• Adhere to health and safety regulations.

Skills

Cellular techniques

Full-spectrum flow cytometry

Immunoassays

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

BSc in a relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

We invite applications from motivated scientists to support a project investigating adrenergic regulation of immunosenescence and cognitive decline across the life course. You will join a multidisciplinary team of immunologists and neuroscientists to examine relationships between sympathetic nervous system activity, immune function, inflammation, and cognition in a cross-sectional human study. Based in the group of Dr Natalie Riddell, working with Dr Ciro della Monica and colleagues in the Immunology Section and Surrey Sleep Research Centre, you will use state-of-the-art facilities to characterise systemic inflammation, immune responses to immunological and adrenergic challenges, and their links to cognitive function and autonomic activity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct human research and collect/ process human samples in line with Human Tissue Act regulations.
• Plan and perform cellular and molecular immunology experiments, including full-spectrum flow cytometry and immunoassays.
• Measure autonomic function and undertake cognitive assessments.
• Support study organisation and contribute to data analysis, meetings, and public engagement events.
• Adhere to health and safety regulations and good laboratory practice, including producing SOPs/risk assessments and keeping a detailed lab book.
• Contribute to data analysis and present findings at meetings and events.

This project is funded by The Vivensa Foundation.

Qualifications

• BSc in a relevant discipline (or equivalent) with experience in cellular techniques.
• Experience or knowledge of cell/tissue culture, full-spectrum flow cytometry, and immunoassays.
• Positive, flexible attitude with colleagues; excellent communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work as part of a team and independently.

About the Employer and Benefits

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people dedicated to life-changing education and research. We are ambitious and aim to be among the best universities in the world, achieved through the talents and endeavour of every employee. Our culture empowers people to make a real difference. We offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations, access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, travel schemes, and supportive family-friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Development and Training

We provide training in immunological techniques, data analysis, and human research methods, alongside an attractive benefits package and development opportunities. Job-share arrangements may be considered.