Research Technician

SONICOM; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sector-leading salary

39 days off a year

Generous pension schemes

Job summary

Imperial College London in London is seeking a research technician to support robotic and microbiology assays within a multidisciplinary group focused on host-pathogen interactions. The role involves in vivo animal experiments, culture of cells, and contributing to ongoing bacterial infection research.

You will collaborate with researchers across the McCarthy Laboratory and related departments, with opportunities to attend seminars and workshops.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Infection Biology or Life Sciences.
• Master’s degree in bacterial infection biology or host-pathogen interactions (Desirable).
• Experience in a microbiology research laboratory with human bacterial pathogens classified as ACDP2.
• Knowledge of in vivo models in microbiology and immunology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Enjoy working collaboratively and build positive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Support in vivo animal experiments with emphasis on animal welfare.
• Facilitate laboratory-based studies on host-pathogen interactions and immune responses.
• Coordinate running of the research group including ordering and maintaining stocks.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Collaborative

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Infection Biology or Life Sciences

Master’s degree in bacterial infection biology or host-pathogen interactions

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated research technician passionate about bacterial infection biology or host-pathogen interactions to join our dynamic and growing research group. You will have the opportunity to expand your research portfolio by supporting cutting-edge research that combines microbiology, in vitro infection models, and in vivo experimental models to contribute to an advanced understanding of bacterial pathogenesis. You will be part of an exciting multidisciplinary team studying host-pathogen interactions at the protein, cell, and host levels.

You will support research that addresses questions on how specific host-pathogen interactions influence immune responses and bacterial pathogenesis. Your primary responsibilities will involve microbiological assays, culture of cells and in vivo models of bacterial infection, including performing procedures such as dosing, sample collection and sample processing. You will also be expected to perform routine work in the laboratory to help support its overall structure and research. You will have clear and timely communication with the researchers within the group and with others in the Department. You will attend and actively contribute to relevant workshops, lab meetings, research seminars and conferences in Imperial and the wider community. You may supervise undergraduate students.

What you would be doing

This role has three key components:

• Supporting in vivo animal experiments: This role involves the care and experimental use of laboratory animals, with a strong emphasis on animal welfare. Experience with experimental in vivo models, and a commitment to ethical animal research practices, is beneficial.
• Facilitating laboratory-based studies: This will involve investigating the role of host-pathogen interactions on immune responses and bacterial infection, using microbiological culture and in vitro stimulation of immune cells. You will also be expected to perform routine work in the laboratory to help support its overall structure and research.
• Coordinating the running of the research group: This will involve assisting with general laboratory management, including ordering and maintaining stocks of reagents and consumables, ensuring equipment maintenance and calibration, and contributing to the smooth running of the research environment.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with research interests in bacterial infection biology. Applicants must demonstrate as part of their application, how they meet the essential criteria required of the post.

You will:

• be a highly motivated candidate with research interests in bacterial infection biology.
• hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Immunology, Infection Biology or Life Sciences (Essential).
• hold a Master’s degree in bacterial infection biology or host-pathogen interactions, or a closely related area (Desirable).
• have previous experience of working in a microbiology research laboratory, and handling and performing research with human bacterial pathogens classified as ACDP2.
• have knowledge of in vivo models in microbiology and immunology, including the principles of in vivo experimentation and animal welfare.
• have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• enjoy working collaboratively.
• form positive relationships with the research group and wider community.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to contribute to innovation in bacterial infection biology.
• The opportunity to collaborate with other researchers in the Group of Dr Alex McCarthy .
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

The post is full time and fixed-term contract for 2 years with potential for renewal, based at the South Kensington campus. You will be expected to work 100% of your time on-site.

More information on

• research in the McCarthy laboratory here .
• on the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology is here .
• on the Department of Infectious Diseases is here .

A postdoctoral research associate has been recruited for this project.

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages .

Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community.

Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.