Research Associate in Salmonella clinical study

About the role

Are you an enthusiastic, organised person with experience working within clinical trials, expertise in immunology and an interest in the human microbiome? We are looking for a motivated Research Associate to join a small team carrying out a type of clinical trial called a human challenge study, to better understand protective immunity to Salmonella typhimurium infections. The focus of the role is how immune responses are shaped by the host microbiome and associated multi-omic signatures.

What you would be doing

This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant, growing infectious disease research group at Imperial led by Dr Malick Gibani. The post is funded by a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award to investigate mechanisms of colonisation resistance to Salmonella.

You will work as part of a team of clinical staff and research scientists and with multidisciplinary investigators and postdoctoral researchers across partner institutions to help deliver the study. Your role will include laboratory work (including processing blood and stool samples from trial participants following strict SOPs, RNA/DNA extraction, ELISAs, multiplex cytokine assays, and flow cytometry) and in silico work (integrating clinical phenotypes with immunology and microbiome datasets).

This post is an excellent opportunity to use your previous experience in research to help shape the future of vaccine research for Salmonella Typhimurium.

What we are looking for

We are looking for applicants with a relevant PhD (or near completion), and solid experience working in a research laboratory and within clinical trial environments. A developed knowledge of microbiology and the microbiome is also desirable.

You will also need:

• The ability to bridge wet-lab immunology with computational analysis
• A record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Experience in a breadth of relevant research methods and statistical procedures
• Sound knowledge of immunology and microbiology
• Strong communication skills and team-working abilities
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage your own time effectively
• Be supportive of all team members and always demonstrate a positive attitude

What we can offer you

• Join as a valuable member of an exciting research group at Imperial
• 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 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 41 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

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) for a fixed-term contract for up to 36 months.

It is located mainly at South Kensington Campus, although it will be necessary to work in other campuses (Charing Cross and Hammersmith) where laboratory facilities are available. Hybrid working is permitted according to Imperial College guidance.

For further details on the role, please contact Dr Malick Gibani (m.gibani@imperial.ac.uk).