Research Associate in Imaging Human Immunology
Research Associate in Imaging Human Immunology
University of Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom
Overall Purpose of the Role
The successful candidate will undertake research activities focused on understanding the molecular function of immune checkpoint receptors and their blockade. The candidate will utilise cutting-edge tools to manipulate, functionally validate and visualise immune checkpoint receptors on human lymphocytes. Specifically, the candidate will use single-molecule localisation microscopy, and other similar nanoscopy approaches, to explore the relationship between spatial organisation and function of immune checkpoint receptors. The researcher will also contribute to new and existing collaborations as well as to ongoing projects in the lab. The candidate would be expected to demonstrate experience and pre-existing skillsets relevant to the project to allow for delivery of research goals within the employment period, while additional cross-disciplinary experience and skillsets from other emerging areas of immunology/cell biology are welcomed.
Main Responsibilities
- To take initiatives in the planning of research
- To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data
- To conduct data analysis to the highest standards
- To always ensure the validity and reliability of data
- To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
- Actively read the scientific literature relating to (and around) the project
- To write reports for submission to research sponsors
- To prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats
- To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
- To draft publications and prepare them for submission to refereed journals
- To contribute to writing bids for research grants
- To provide guidance to staff and students
- To undertake instruction of PhD students, as agreed
- To supervise practical work and advise students on techniques
- To take responsibility for organising resources and effective decision making in support of research
- To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
- To be an active team-member and set positive examples by showing a commitment to achieving results, encouraging and supporting junior members of the team and raising suggestions for continuous improvement
- To work alongside the PI and other colleagues in a collegiate manner and build rapport within the team and the wider Faculty
- To develop contacts and research collaborations within the Faculty and the wider community
- To promote the reputation of the laboratory, Faculty and wider University
Other Duties
- To undertake appropriate administration tasks
- To attend relevant meetings
- To undertake any necessary training and/or development
- To maintain safe workplace practice and procedures in accordance with the requirements of Health and Safety legislation
- To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant statutory Health and Safety legislation and recommendations and attend safety training as required
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by PI/supervisor
Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Hold (or expect to hold shortly) a PhD in Cell Biology/Immunology, or other relevant discipline in Biomedical Sciences
- BSc (hons) in a relevant Biological Science
- Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in Cell Biology, ideally within immunology or more broadly cell signalling
- Extensive experience in high-end light microscopy (i.e. using some of the following: TIRF, SMLM such as STORM, PALM and PAINT, STED)
- Excellent technical expertise in core lab techniques (e.g. primary cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blotting)
- Proven ability to use initiative to efficiently plan, optimise and progress project and communicate findings
- Extensive IT skills (including experience with core research software including Office, Prism etc)
- Experience and organisational skills in good practice for data storage and reporting
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with colleagues at all levels
- Excellent written and spoken English
- An enthusiastic willingness to contribute to the work of others by offering practical and intellectual help
Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Experience in basic biochemistry (e.g. molecular biology, cloning, gene expression, mutagenesis, protein production and purification)
- Experience in cross-disciplinary aspects of cell biology/immunology
- Experience with bioinformatic analysis of SMLM data
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