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- Tasks: Support groundbreaking research in immunology and contribute to vaccine development.
- Company: Dynamic lab focused on innovative solutions for global health challenges.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and employee support services.
- Why this job: Join a team making real-world impacts on health through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: BSc in Biochemistry, Immunology, or related field; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading researchers and gain hands-on experience in advanced techniques.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Maini Lab investigates adaptive immunity in hepatitis B, liver cancer, and SARS-CoV-2 to inform the development of immunotherapies and vaccines targeting these major causes of global morbidity and mortality. Leveraging well-characterised patient cohorts, human tissue samples, advanced 2D/3D co-culture systems, and mouse models, our research provides critical insights into both protective and dysfunctional T and B cell responses. A key focus of the lab is the unique tolerogenic environment of liver immunity. We study cellular interactions and metabolic constraints to design novel immunotherapeutic strategies for hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we applied our expertise in circulating and tissue-resident adaptive immunity to generate new insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection, contributing to the development of a pan-coronavirus vaccine.
The successful applicant will collaborate closely with a postdoctoral research associate funded by the same award, a senior research associate, and other members of the Maini and Swadling teams on the development and pre-clinical testing of our novel pan-coronavirus vaccine. This role will involve coordination with a dynamic network of collaborators, including the Barnes Lab (Oxford) and the Iannacone Lab (Milan). In addition, the postholder will play a central role in supporting the wider group, particularly in processing valuable clinical samples and assisting postdoctoral researchers working on cutting-edge programmes funded by the Wellcome Trust and CRUK.
The Das Lab focuses on understanding mechanisms of immune dysregulation in bacterial, viral, and fungal infections across paediatric and adult cohorts. We maintain active collaborations with intensive care teams at St Thomas’, Royal London, Royal Free, UCL, and Newcastle Hospitals. Through Rosetrees Trust funding, the successful applicant will lead a project applying high-content, high-throughput immunophenotyping (spectral flow cytometry, multiplex ELISAs) to characterise longitudinal immune responses to natural infection and vaccination in neonates and adults with sepsis. Our aims are two-fold: to develop immune-based diagnostic tests for clinical use, improving decision-making in antibiotic de-escalation, and to investigate mechanistic relevance of differentially expressed genes and proteins in sepsis pathophysiology, informing immunotherapy design.
For this, we have established autologous human immune cell–liver organoid co-culture systems that allow direct pathway blockade under sepsis-mimicking conditions. The successful applicant may also contribute to this project.
The postholder(s) will provide essential technical support to ensure the smooth operation of the Maini and Das laboratories. Overall supervision will be provided by either Prof Mala Maini or Dr Abhishek Das; however, day-to-day guidance will primarily come from postdoctoral researchers and PhD students within the respective teams.
Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Processing and cryopreserving blood and liver samples from human participants promptly and in accordance with standard operating procedures.
- Assisting postdoctoral researchers and PhD students with advanced research techniques, including multiparametric flow cytometry, multiplex immunostaining, in vitro cell culture systems, and cell transduction methods.
- Supporting the training of new staff and students (including BSc, MSc, and MRes), teaching standard laboratory protocols, sterile cell culture techniques, database usage, and related procedures.
Essential criteria:
- A BSc or equivalent qualification in Biochemistry, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline, or a Technical Assistant degree.
- A sound understanding of Health and Safety regulations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including accurate and thorough record-keeping of experimental data.
All applications must include a supporting statement that demonstrates, with examples, how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
If you have any questions about the role, the application process, technical issues, or require reasonable adjustments or an accessible format to apply online, please contact the staffing team.
What we offer:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday, and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Research Assistant (Maini & Das Lab) in London employer: UCL Eastman Dental Institute
Contact Detail:
UCL Eastman Dental Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Maini & Das Lab) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Maini & Das Lab on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the lab culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their research. Familiarise yourself with their recent publications and projects. Showing genuine interest in their work can really set us apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience with techniques like flow cytometry and cell culture, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Maini & Das Lab) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and how your skills fit in. Highlight key responsibilities and requirements that resonate with your experience.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria. Be specific and provide examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and keep your sentences short and to the point. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL Eastman Dental Institute
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the Maini and Das Labs' recent publications and ongoing projects. Being able to discuss their work, especially around immunotherapy and vaccine development, will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with techniques like multiparametric flow cytometry and cell culture systems. Bring specific examples of how you've used these skills in past roles or studies, as this will highlight your practical knowledge.
✨Show Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with various teams, so be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to group projects, emphasising your ability to work well in a dynamic environment.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers about the lab's future projects or the collaborative network. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the lab's goals align with your career aspirations.
