MED05199
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Brain Sciences
£43,003 - £46,297 per annum
White City Campus - Hybrid
Full time - Fixed term
About the role
Applications are invited for a fully funded Research Assistant in Single Cell Genomics in the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial, within the Neurogenomics Lab of Dr Nathan Skene, Department of Brain Sciences (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/n.skene).
Today, over 1 million people in the UK are living with dementia and related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The impact of these incurable and progressive conditions on individuals and their families is devastating. The cost to the economy and public services is large and growing as the UK population ages.
The UK DRI is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.
What you would be doing
We are developing new methods for profiling the binding of transcription factors to DNA. We need these methods to work at single cell resolution which is requiring us to push the limits of existing microfluidics capabilities. You will be responsible for developing, testing and implementing novel protocols towards this goal. The Neurogenomics Lab is exploiting these technologies to enable genome function to be understood in disease relevant cell types. This is being done with a view towards commercialisation so would suit a highly motivated tech minded scientist with an engineering approach to molecular biology.
Working in state-of-the-art laboratories on Imperial’s newest campus for innovation in the heart of the west London tech corridor, the research group of Dr Nathan Skene in the UK DRI at Imperial seeks to identify regulatory mechanisms which cause neurodegenerative disorders, along with the cell types in which they act, and determine whether inhibition or activation of the pathway is associated with increased disease risk. Dr Skene’s research focuses on answering simple questions about brain diseases, through the analysis of epigenomic and genetic datasets. A major question of our group is identifying which cell types carry the most genetic load for brain disorders, by linking GWAS data to epigenomic data obtained using single cell methods. This research area is evolving rapidly. You will be given opportunities to train in new methods, develop new competencies relevant to the specific aims set and address major questions of importance for Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative conditions.
What we are looking for
- Development of novel methods for single cell genomics, using customisable microfluidic platforms
- Experience with general molecular biology and cellular genomics methods
- Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team
- Demonstrate an aptitude for an organised, methodical approach to your work
What we can offer you
The role will be part of the UK Dementia Research Institute and the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London. Research Assistants enjoy excellent career development opportunities with:
- Access to a range of cutting-edge technologies
- Strong national links through the UK DRI with attendance at its annual scientific meeting ‘Connectome’.
- A network of computational and wet lab researchers
- 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
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Further information
The post is based in the new UK DRI research labs on the White City Campus in West London. You will benefit from an active research (and social) environment in the Department of Brain Sciences, with additional research labs in the Burlington Danes Building on the nearby Hammersmith Campus.
Imperial is one of the UK’s most international universities and welcomes staff from all backgrounds and from all over the world.
If you require any further details on the role please contact: [Dr Nathan Skene] – [[email protected]].
Available documents
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected]. We're here to help.
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.
Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.
This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.
Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
