At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team decoding the human immune response to Staphylococcus aureus.
- Company: Imperial College London, a leader in innovative biomedical research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days off, generous pension, and career support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tackling global health challenges through cutting-edge science.
- Qualifications: MSc in Microbiology or Immunology and lab experience required.
- Other info: Full-time, fixed-term role with mentorship from leading researchers.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 43000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Hammersmith Campus & St Mary’s Campus
About the role: Do you have the meticulous technical laboratory skills to help decode the human immune response to a major global pathogen? Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of life‑threatening infection worldwide. To stop it, we need to understand exactly how it adapts and how our bodies fight back. As a Research Technician within Dr Dinesh Aggarwal’s group, you will play a pivotal role in the delivery of a pioneering controlled human infection study that addresses this urgent need.
What you would be doing: You will be the technical anchor of a multi‑disciplinary team, working closely with clinical fellows and research nurses to process and analyse valuable samples. You will:
- Manage the critical processing of both clinical human samples (including PBMC isolation) and bacterial cultures. Your ability to handle both sample types with precision is vital to the study’s success.
- Undertake rigorous protocol execution. You will be applying a wide range of laboratory techniques – from molecular diagnostics (qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction) to immunological assays (ELISA, ELISpot, Flow Cytometry), ensuring every data point is valid, reliable and reproducible.
- Act as a guardian of the study’s data, maintaining precise documentation in electronic lab notebooks and contributing to the analysis that will underpin future high‑impact scientific papers.
- Lead on the efficient and safe operation of the laboratory, managing stocks and working flexibly to meet the time‑critical demands of in‑patient study schedules.
What we are looking for: The successful candidate will need:
- An MSc in Microbiology, Immunology or a related biomedical subject (or imminent award of one).
- Proven experience in a research laboratory environment. You will ideally demonstrate competence in both basic bacteriology (handling Category II pathogens) and molecular biology techniques.
- Immunological Expertise: Practical experience with human sample processing is essential. Experience with PBMC isolation, cell culture or immunoassays (such as ELISA/ELISpot) is highly desirable.
- A meticulous approach to data recording and the ability to work independently under pressure.
- Flexibility regarding working hours is required to accommodate the unique needs of a human challenge study.
What we can offer you:
- Impact: The chance to contribute to the Fleming Initiative, a transformative partnership aiming to tackle AMR through people‑centred science.
- Mentorship: Work within Dr Dinesh Aggarwal’s group, collaborating with the wider teams of Prof Chris Chiu, Prof Shiranee Sriskandan and Dr Malick Gibani. You will be supported by experienced researchers and gain exposure to cutting‑edge experimental medicine.
- Growth: The opportunity to refine your laboratory skillset in a world‑leading research environment, with access to Imperial’s dedicated career support for researchers.
- Reward: A sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Further Information: This is a full‑time post, fixed‑term contract for 12 months in the first instance. For further details, please contact: Dr Dinesh Aggarwal (d.aggarwal@imperial.ac.uk). £41,005 to £45,616 per annum.
Fleming Initiative Research Technician employer: Imperial College London
Contact Detail:
Imperial College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fleming Initiative Research Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those connected to the Fleming Initiative. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your lab techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with PBMC isolation and immunoassays. Show us you know your stuff and can handle the pressure!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Hammersmith and St Mary’s Campuses.
We think you need these skills to ace Fleming Initiative Research Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your technical laboratory skills in your application. We want to see how your experience with techniques like qPCR, ELISA, and PBMC isolation can contribute to our research. Be specific about your past roles and what you achieved!
Be Meticulous: Since attention to detail is key for this role, emphasise your meticulous approach to data recording and protocol execution. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to maintain precise documentation and ensure data validity.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Fleming Initiative Research Technician role. Show us how your background aligns with our mission to tackle AMR through people-centred science.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Techniques
Make sure you brush up on the specific laboratory techniques mentioned in the job description, like qPCR, ELISA, and PBMC isolation. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods and how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires meticulous data recording and protocol execution, prepare examples that highlight your attention to detail. Think of situations where your precision made a difference in the outcome of an experiment or project.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As you'll be working closely with clinical fellows and research nurses, it's important to show that you're a team player. Share experiences where you collaborated effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
Given the nature of human challenge studies, flexibility is key. Prepare to discuss how you've managed changing priorities or tight deadlines in past roles. This will show that you're ready to meet the demands of the position head-on.