About us
A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is available in the lab of Dr Laura Pallett (www.pallettlab.com) to support our research seeking to understand how immune cells decipher the myriad of environmental, physical, biochemical and cellular cues within the human liver to dictate phenotype and function. With this proposed project the successful candidate will focus on interrogating the exact signals tipping the balance between immunoprotective and immunopathogenic tissue-resident T cell responses within the organ. The project will explore the unique adaptations made by tissue-resident T cells to ensure survival, function and long-term retention within the sinusoids and to consider the impact chronic liver disease has on the efficiency and outcome of localised T cell responses. This project is co-funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and an ERC-awarded UKRI EU Underwrite Grant. The post holder will be based at the new state-of-the-art Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (IIT; https://www.ucl.ac.uk/immunity-transplantation/), in UCL’s Division of Infection and Immunity (Royal Free campus, Pears Building).
About the role
The successful candidate will be expected to perform high-quality research to investigating the biology of intrahepatic T cells using cutting-edge high dimensional spectral flow cytometry and imaging technologies; and to establish methodologies to further our understanding of the outcome of T cell interactions with neighbouring cells in the human liver. The successful candidate will join a new research group and will get the opportunity to work directly alongside the PI within a dynamic and collaborative group of multidisciplinary scientists from across UCL and external partners, working on integrated aspects of the immune response in the liver.
The position is available immediately for 1 year in the first instance.
The position may be extended, dependent on project success, funding, and scientific priorities. The post is ideal for a motivated postdoctoral scientist (or someone who is about to submit their thesis) who enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary team and is interested in seeking opportunities for personal fellowships and grant applications.
About you
The successful applicant should have a PhD or equivalent (or soon to be awarded) in tissue immunology and have significant experience working in a research laboratory working with human samples.
A high level of attention to detail and a proven commitment to scientific excellence are essential. Competency in human immunology and cellular immunology techniques are essential. Furthermore, experience working with T cells, high dimensional flow cytometric data and imaging of immune cell interactions in human tissues is essential.
Candidates must have a track record of showing important contributions to research, excellent oral and written scientific communications skills, commitment to collaboration in research and to taking a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. They must be highly organised, able to manage their time and work to strict deadlines. They must be able to deal pleasantly and effectively with a wide range of people and keep accurate and detailed written laboratory records.
Note: Appointment at grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at the Research Assistant Grade 6B with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details. Please also read the attached Candidate Guidance document.
All applications must include a supporting statement to explain your motivation for the post and providing evidence using examples to showcase how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Applications without a supporting statement will be rejected.
If you have any queries about the role or application process, have any technical issues, or need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, please contact the staffing team at [email protected].
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 (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
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.
