Research Assistant in Antibody Engineering and Laboratory Automation in London

Location: South Kensington Campus. The post is laboratory-based, so regular on-site working is required.

About the role

Would you like to help build a new laboratory from the ground up and to shape how it works? The Sormanni Lab in the Department of Chemical Engineering is looking for a Research Assistant in Antibody Engineering and Laboratory Automation to strengthen the experimental side of its antibody and nanobody design programme and to take a leading part in establishing its new laboratory at Imperial following the group’s relocation from Cambridge. The group designs antibodies and nanobodies computationally and tests them in-house, so the post sits at the interface between AI-design and the bench. It combines hands-on protein science with automation, and carries genuine responsibility for the instruments, procedures and sustainability standards of a laboratory that is still taking shape.

What you would be doing

• You will develop and deploy protocols for automated liquid handling to increase the throughput of our antibody cloning, expression, purification and characterisation platform.
• You will design expression constructs, gene fragments and oligonucleotides and carry out the corresponding molecular biology, and you will produce and characterise antibodies, nanobodies and their targets in support of the group’s design projects.
• Alongside this research work, you will take substantial responsibility for building the laboratory itself. You will help specify, procure and commission instrumentation, write the risk assessments and standard operating procedures that underpin safe working, establish maintenance schedules and stock control, and lead our work towards LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) certification.
• You will work closely with computational and experimental colleagues, contribute to reports and publications and have the support and time to develop skills that are in demand in both academia and industry.

What we are looking for

• A first degree or MSc (or equivalent) in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, chemistry or a related discipline.
• Some hands-on experience of molecular biology and/or of recombinant protein expression and purification.
• A meticulous, well-organised approach and the confidence to take ownership of equipment, procedures and safety documentation.
• A strong capacity to learn new techniques quickly and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team.
• (Desirable) Some basic knowledge of Python or another scripting language and an interest in automating laboratory workflows.

What we can offer you

• An unusual degree of responsibility and freedom to operate: you will help build a new laboratory, from the choice of instruments to the procedures and sustainability accreditation that govern how it runs.
• Work at the interface of computation and experiment, in a group that designs antibodies and nanobodies in silico and validates them in-house, with established academic and industrial collaborations.
• Training and support to build a skill set valued in both academia and industry, spanning protein production, laboratory automation, and project and procurement management.
• 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: Since 2022, 3 Research Assistants worked in the Sormanni group: 2 progressed to a PhD, and 1 to a Senior Scientist role in a large biotech company.
• Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

The start date is negotiable and we welcome applications from candidates who need to give notice to a current employer. No Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this post. Please note that the University may not be able to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship for this post. Any candidate who is considering applying for this position and requires sponsorship must ensure that they are able to obtain permission to work in the UK through an appropriate immigration route.

The Department of Chemical Engineering is based on the South Kensington Campus and hosts a large community working at the interface of engineering, chemistry and the life sciences. The Sormanni Lab develops computational methods for antibody and nanobody design and validates them experimentally in-house, in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week). This role is for a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with opportunity for extension thereafter.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr. Pietro Sormanni.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 27th September.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

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£45,399 to £48,876 per annum.