Job description

An exciting new opportunity has arisen within the Laboratory of Macrophage Biology at Kings College London, headed by Dr Subhankar Mukhopadhyay, based within the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology at Guys hospital campus. This is a full-time post, initially for 18 months, with a potential for extension.

The project will utilise a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived macrophage model to study the molecular control of human macrophage function in health and disease. First, the project will develop novel protocols for generating various tissue-resident and activated macrophage populations. Secondly, it will investigate how natural genetic variations, especially the disease-causing rare mutations, influence macrophage function during infection, inflammation and cancer.

The project will utilise a variety of cutting edge cellular and molecular techniques, including modern genome editing techniques, patient cohorts/CRISPR based large scale functional genomics screens, coupled with in-depth mechanistic assays. There will be ample scope for training, developing novel techniques, improving publication portfolio, and career development through new line of research.

We are looking for a highly motivated early-career post-doctoral researcher who has a keen interest, strong technical background and publication record in innate immunity/ macrophage biology. This position is ideal for future fellowship applicants who will be soon ready to apply for external fellowships.

Informal discussion to learn more about this position before application is strongly encouraged.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 18 months

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

The successful candidate must have in-depth knowledge and demonstrable technical skills in primary human/murine macrophage culture and associated functional assays. In addition, technical knowledge in multi-colour flow cytometry, QPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescent/confocal microscopy is required.

Experience in iPSC derivation, maintenance and differentiation into immune cell lineages, CRISP/Cas9 based genome editing and bioinformatics skills for large scale transcriptomic and proteomic data analysis will be highly advantageous but not essential. Necessary training will be provided for these techniques.

Essential criteria

1. PhD in innate immunity, stem cell biology or related field

2. Demonstrable technical skills common immunology, cell biology and molecular biology techniques related to macrophage biology, innate immunity anjobd inflammation

3. Strong publication track record

4. Ability to perform experiments independently with minimum supervision and generate high-quality and reproducible data

5. Excellent written and verbal scientific and non-scientific communication skills are essential, and these must be clearly demonstrated through specific examples during application and interview

6. Excellent record keeping and time management skills and ability to work under tight deadlines and rapidly changing priorities

7. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a friendly, collegial manner promoting the collective goal of the team

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in human iPSC models, gene editing, functional genomics screen

2. Experience in handling patient blood and generation of primary macrophages

3. Experience in in vivo macrophage function in murine models and Home office personal license

4. Bioinformatic skill and large scale data analysis

*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.

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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Macrophage Biology job with KINGS COLLEGE LONDON | 274566 - Times Higher Education (THE)