Laboratory Associate, Human Immunology Lab (HIL) London, England
Job description
Position Description
Job Title: Laboratory Associate
Location: Human Immunology Lab (HIL), London
Reporting to: Senior Manager, Clinical Immunology
Position Summary:
IAVI is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Associate who will provide technical support to the clinical and research programmes across a range of immunological techniques/assays including PBMC Isolation, ELISpot, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Neutralization assay, and Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) assays. The Lab Associate will be essential to the development, optimization, qualification, validation, and conduct of immunological assays supporting a variety of clinical trials of preventive vaccine candidates for emerging infectious diseases (Lassa, Marburg, Ebola and COVID), as well as the broader research interests of the IAVI-HIL unit.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process clinical and research samples to a very high standard across a range of immunological techniques including (but not limited to) Flow Cytometry, ELISA ELISpot, PBMC Isolation, Neutralization assay, and MSD multiplex assays.
- Work with key programme personnel and Operational Managers to deliver datasets and reports in line with funder targets and
- Assist in the preparation of laboratory data for statistical analysis according to strict timelines whilst ensuring that relevant standards of quality are
- Provide technical and/or logistical support to a range of clinical and research programmes across the IAVI-HIL portfolio.
- Ensure that work carried out is performed according to the applicable regulations concerning biohazards and human tissue use, to QC and QA policies and procedures, and to GCP and GCLP standards.
- Contribute to purchasing of laboratory consumables. Liaise with administrative staff for laboratory inventory monitoring and
- Contribute to the coordination of sample management and sample/reagent shipment for IAVI-HIL projects.
- Contribute to the presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the research community in
- Assist the Laboratory Manager on routine laboratory and equipment maintenance and ensure accurate documentation of these tasks.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.
Education and Work Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological science or related field is required. An advanced degree is desirable.
- Minimum 1 year of relevant lab experience is required.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Experience in collection, assay validation, processing and/or storage of biological specimens is required.
- Knowledge of/proven experience in a GCLP or GLP accredited laboratory is required.
- Experience in some or all the following immunological techniques are required:
- Flow Cytometry
- ELISpot
- ELISA
- PBMC Isolation
- Viral Inhibition Assay (VIA)
- Cytokines assays
- Excellent, written and verbal communication skills, as well as the presentation skills are required.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently within deadlines, be creative, and take initiative to accomplish organizational goals whilst maintaining a high level of confidentiality and discretion is required.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels within IAVI and external partners are required.
- Excellent organizational and attention to detail oriented are required.
- Experience in following and writing SOPs or laboratory protocols and related laboratory documentation is highly desirable.
- Experience working in resource poor setting or clinical trials would is desirable.
Organizational Overview:
IAVI is a nonprofit scientific research organization dedicated to addressing urgent, unmet global health challenges including HIV and tuberculosis. Our mission is to translate scientific discoveries into affordable, globally accessible public health solutions. Through scientific and clinical research in Africa, India, Europe, and the U.S., IAVI is pioneering the development of biomedical innovations designed for broad global access. We develop vaccines and antibodies in and for the developing world and seek to accelerate their introduction in low-income countries. IAVI programs and partnerships are grounded in the regions of the world where the disease burden is the greatest, and our approach emphasizes sustainability. Our network of clinical research center partners in Africa and India helps strengthen in-country research capacity and supports the training and education of the next generation of scientists. The global impact of our science includes fundamental contributions to understanding the biology of HIV infection, which IAVI and others are applying toward advancing vaccine science and immunology. IAVI accelerates scientific discovery and development by fostering unique collaborations among academia, industry, local communities, governments, and funders to explore new and better ways to address public health threats that disproportionately affect people living in poverty. Our global reach, including a clinical research network in five countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in India, has allowed us to make fundamental contributions to understanding the epidemiology, transmission, virology, and immunology of HIV. This work played a key role in facilitating the design of promising HIV vaccine candidates, as well as the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies that are now being advanced as promising approaches for HIV prevention. Our integrated capabilities in vaccine and antibody discovery, development, and clinical research take advantage of bio-pharmaceutical industry expertise to accelerate the development and testing of prevention methods for HIV and other diseases. Through the Product Development Center, we support external researchers with technical and scientific expertise to accelerate the development of their own products.
About the HIL:
IAVI’s Human Immunology Laboratory (HIL) based at Imperial College London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital campus was founded in 2001 and funded primarily by IAVI. The HIL serves as the clinical immunology hub for the IAVI’s vaccine development partnerships. As an accredited Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) laboratory with expertise in developing and conducting immunology assays for research and clinical trials, the HIL specializes in the analysis of immune responses as part of vaccine development partnerships. The HIL applies expertise toward the development of safe and effective vaccines against a range of diseases including HIV/AIDS, Lassa, Ebola, malaria, and tuberculosis. The HIL is also a central repository for clinical samples collected and received from clinical research centers worldwide, in support of IAVI clinical trials and epidemiology studies.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. IAVI is an equal opportunity employer and applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
IAVI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER actively committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive global organization. IAVI believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a representative candidate pool. At IAVI, we celebrate the spectrum of colleagues’ experiences and believe that dedication to our mission above all is essential to our success as a scientific global non-profit. IAVI upholds these principles through IAVI’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
IAVI has zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, caste, national origin, home language, ancestry, religion, marital or civil partnership status, age, physical or mental disability, HIV status and any other medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status, in addition to any other status protected under the law in any of our locations worldwide.
