Research Technician Hammersmith, England
Job description
We are looking for a flexible and supportive Research Technician to join a newly established research group led by Dr Valerie Soo (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/v.soo/) at the Section of Adult Infectious Disease of Imperial College London. The post-holder will assist broadly in our research investigating the impact of mutations on genes coding for bacterial penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in both a qualitative and quantitative manner.
PBPs are the binding targets of beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin), and mutations giving rise to substituted PBPs often lead to reduced antibiotic binding in many bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus spp. Consequently, bacteria with substituted PBPs are less susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, and we hypothesise that this phenomenon may mediate the evolution of resistance to these antibiotics. To investigate this, we carry out high-throughput mapping of pbp genotypes to the bacterial phenotypes using deep mutagenesis and deep sequencing.
In the first instance, the post-holder will assist in a wide range of experiments, including – but not limited to – high-throughput mutagenesis, deep sequencing, and genetic manipulation of Streptococcus spp. and Escherichia coli. If required, the post-holder will also assist in data analysis and data dissemination with appropriate training provided. Additionally, the post-holder will have shared responsibility for day-to-day running and maintenance of the laboratory.
Applicants should hold at least a BSc degree with a microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or an evolutionary biology background. Appropriate wet-lab and/or dry-lab skills as well as an interest in bacterial or molecular evolution are highly desirable. Informal enquiries are welcome.
Duties and responsibilities
- To undertake original research at a high standard in a Level 2 pathogen containment environment
- To assist in high-throughput mutagenesis, deep sequencing, and genetic manipulation experiments
- To carry out routine experiments such as PCR, DNA extraction, culturing of bacteria, etc.
- To assist in data analysis and data dissemination
- To assist with general laboratory activities
- To maintain highly organised, accurate and complete records of experimental and computational work
- To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratory
Essential requirements
- A first degree or equivalent in Life Sciences or Biological Sciences (e.g., Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Systems Biology)
- Experience in general laboratory practice, techniques, instrumentation and safety
- Computer literate with a good knowledge in Ms Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to organise and prioritise own work
- Meticulous, flexible, open-minded, and supportive
Further information
This is a Full Time and Fixed Term post for 2 years in the first instance based at the Hammersmith Campus.
For further information about the position, please contact Dr Valerie Soo at [email protected].
The College is a proud signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions, we evaluate applicants on the quality of their work, not the journal impact factor where it is published. For more information, see https://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-evaluation/
The College believes that the use of animals in research is vital to improve human and animal health and welfare. Animals may only be used in research programmes where their use is shown to be necessary for developing new treatments and making medical advances. Imperial is committed to ensuring that, in cases where this research is deemed essential, all animals in the College’s care are treated with full respect, and that all staff involved with this work show due consideration at every level.http://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-integrity/animal-research/
Documents
- Final JD - MED03882.pdf
