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- Tasks: Join a team studying how proteins combat viral infections using advanced techniques.
- Company: World-leading research institution with a focus on virology and immunology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 39 days off, generous pension, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research and present your findings globally.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background in relevant subjects and passion for virology or immunology.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with access to top researchers and diverse learning opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Research Assistant for 18 months, following up our study on how members of the Sp100 nuclear protein family suppress infection by DNA viruses, and how herpesviruses counteract their functions. You will use a combination of classical and cutting-edge techniques in protein biochemistry, cell biology, classical virology, microscopy, and genomics, in the context of infection by Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes Simplex virus, and herpesvirus saimiri in B cells and fibroblasts.
In this role you will:
- Work as part of a small team (in collaboration with Duke University) studying how the SAND domain of speckled proteins (the Sp100 family) binds DNA, to test whether this allows cells to sense and suppress viral DNA in the nucleus, and how herpesviruses counteract its functions.
- Assist with the day-to-day planning, development, running, and analysis of experiments, that could include protein biochemistry (protein purification, DNA-binding assays, and antibody validation), infection assays (plaque assay, luciferase assays), and cell-based assays for interaction studies (FRET and fluorescence microscopy) and genomics assays (transcriptomics, ATAC-seq, and ChIP), according to your skills and aptitudes.
- Present your findings to colleagues and contribute to the writing of reports.
- Assist in the training, development, and supervision of other staff and students in the research group.
- Contribute to the smooth running of the lab.
You should:
- Have a strong academic record at undergraduate and/or Master’s level in a relevant subject.
- Have a demonstrable passion for virology and/or immunology.
- Be a quick learner who can readily adapt to new techniques.
- Be a precise and careful lab worker.
- Have a high degree of biological understanding and creativity, and/or research experience, that allows effective troubleshooting.
- Be committed to this research project.
- Be able to support the research of junior (student) lab members.
- Have some research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, or computational biology that is relevant to the project.
An opportunity to develop a wide variety of research skills transferrable to diverse virology, immunology, biochemistry, and cell biology lab contexts. Agency within the team in helping to choose and drive the direction of the research. A collaborative departmental research environment, allowing day-to-day contact with various world-leading virology research teams, on a science-intensive research-focused campus with opportunities to diversify your scientific knowledge. Opportunity to present your research at a national or international conference. Paper authorship commensurate with your contribution to the research. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading as well as opportunities for promotion and progression. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Research Assistant in London employer: Imperial College London
Contact Detail:
Imperial College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the field, especially those who have worked on similar projects. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the research area. Familiarise yourself with the latest studies on the Sp100 nuclear protein family and related virology topics. This shows your passion and commitment to the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your previous research experience, especially any hands-on work with molecular biology or cell biology techniques. Being able to discuss your practical knowledge will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to cutting-edge research.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for virology and immunology in your application. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the research and the impact it can have!
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Research Assistant role. We love seeing how your background aligns with our project, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your ideas effectively without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key concepts of virology and immunology, especially related to the Sp100 nuclear protein family. Familiarise yourself with the techniques mentioned in the job description, like protein purification and fluorescence microscopy, so you can confidently discuss your experience and how it relates to the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for research shine through. Talk about any relevant projects or experiences that sparked your interest in virology and how they align with the research goals of the team. This will help demonstrate your commitment to the project and the field.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves collaboration with Duke University and supporting junior lab members, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team setting, contributed to group projects, or mentored others in a lab environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the specific research direction, opportunities for presenting your findings, or how the team collaborates with other departments. It shows you're engaged and genuinely interested in the role and the research environment.
