Overview
The Ocular Cell and Gene Therapy Group is seeking to appoint an outstanding, skilled and ambitious Research Assistant to contribute to a programme of basic and translational research focussed on the development of clinical stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of blindness. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of basic and clinical research in a group that is at the forefront of developing novel therapies for retinal disorders, with a major emphasis on translating research into clinical application. The group is led by Professors Rachael Pearson and Robin Ali and is one of the largest cellular and gene therapy groups in the country. Over the past 20 years, the group has been optimising cell transplantation as part of a comprehensive programme of work to develop novel therapeutic approaches for eye disease and in particular for disorders affecting the retina, including inherited retinal degeneration. We are currently working up to conducting a first-in-man clinical trials for photoreceptor cell therapy and the successful applicant will play a key role in pre-clinical development work for this trial. This project is funded by a new UKRI MRC project grant aiming to employ developmental signals to improve photoreceptor transplantation outcome for treating sight-loss. This is an exciting research project with excellent training opportunities in a diverse set of skills including retinal electrophysiology, computational analytical methods, stem cell culture, immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging.
The Role
The post-holder will support the Principal Investigators and lead post-doc on a new MRC funded project looking to characterise the vision restored by photoreceptor transplantation and develop ways to improve it. The project encompasses diverse techniques and will involve electrophysiological recordings of the retina and brain, as well as stem cell culture, histology, and confocal imaging. We seek an individual with a strong interest in neuroscience and demonstrable cellular and molecular laboratory skills and experience and expertise in sample and tissue handling, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative PCR. Experience in cell culture and associated aseptic procedures is required and excellent attention to detail and meticulous record keeping is essential. Experience in neuro-electrophysiology would be a distinct advantage, but training will be provided. There is opportunity to perform and/or assist with experimental animal procedures including transplantation surgical procedures, imaging, and a variety of predominantly non-invasive assessments of visual function. The post holder will work in a collaborative team environment with very high potential to learn new skills. Relevant experience is required but full training will be provided.
This is a full-time position and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31st July 2029.
Professional Development
Research staff at King\'s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.
About You
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria
* Undergraduate degree (BSc) in neuroscience and/or stem cells and regenerative medicine (candidates nearing completion of their undergraduate studies will be considered, if the degree is expected to be awarded within the next 3 months)
* Strong interest in translational research and of the relevant fields (neuroscience/neurodegeneration, cell therapy), demonstrated by reading the literature
* Experience in basic cellular and molecular techniques e.g. aseptic cell culture, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction
* Solutions-focused self-starter, with strong planning and analytical skills, able to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines with minimal supervision
* Demonstrably excellent organisational skills and be details-oriented, with evidence of a commitment to high quality research
* Clear spoken and written communication skills, with proficient computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills
* Ability to work flexibly, both as a team member and independently, understanding that research priorities can change and may require changes to planned work
Desirable Criteria
* Experience in cell culture techniques and ability to adhere to strict protocols. Experience of working with long term stem cell cultures specifically would be an advantage
* Experience and understanding of electrophysiology
* Experience in immunohistochemical techniques, including tissue embedding/cryopreservation, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry
* Knowledge of coding
Other Information
Downloading a Copy Of Our Job Description: Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Further Information
At King\'s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King\'s guidance. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day. We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application. To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our "How we Recruit" pages. This post is subject to Occupational Health clearances.
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