Research Technician

About us

Applications are invited for a Research Technician position in the lab of Dr Alan Zhuang (in collaboration with Prof. Mala Maini). Our groups form part of the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (Pears Building) within the Division of Infection and Immunity, UCL. The Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (IIT) brings together a critical mass of more than 20 world-class research groups working at the forefront of translational immunology. Work within the IIT aims to translate advances in the understanding of the immune system to improved therapies for patients. The Institute’s close links to the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust provides an excellent interface between science and medicine. For more information about the IIT please visit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/immunity-transplantation/. The overarching theme of the Zhuang lab is to investigate how our circadian clock regulates T-cell immunity in virally-infected livers and how time of day affects vaccine efficacy. The postholder will be embedded within a wider dynamic and collaborative team of basic and clinical scientists, spending time supporting the wider groups activities.

About the role

The postholder will provide technical support essential to the functioning of the Zhuang lab. Their overall supervision will be directed by Dr Zhuang, but on a day-to-day basis they will work primarily with postdocs and PhD students within the wider Maini team. The postholder will be central to the effective running of the wider group, working in particular to support the processing of valuable clinical samples and supporting postdoctoral research associates working on cutting-edge programmes. Please note: The nature of scientific work, and in particular work with patient derived samples means it will be necessary to work outside normal working hours in order to process tissue samples and to complete experiments. In particular, the need to process human samples requires flexibility to work outside normal working hours at short notice. An exact breakdown of percentage time spent in different duties is impossible to provide in a scientific job as the exact nature of day-to-day duties will evolve with the project. The position is available for one year in the first instance, and may be extended, dependent on project success, funding, and scientific priorities. Interview date: Tuesday, 9th January 2024 (PM)

About you

The successful applicant must have BSc or equivalent in Biochemistry/Immunology/Virology/Biomedical Sciences or related subject or a Technical Assistant degree. Experience working in a research laboratory and sound understanding of Healthy and Safety issues are essential. The applicant will demonstrate a proven research aptitude and laboratory experience and be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Ability to prioritise work-load and to operate safely and effectively with varied degrees of supervision is essential. The applicant will also have the ability to use initiative, to follow Standard Operating Procedures, and to trouble-shoot when necessary to resolve operational difficulties. Experience in laboratory management, including up-to-date record keeping for samples acquisition (in line with the Human Tissue Act), inventory logging, ordering/maintaining lab stocks is desirable.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/