Fleming Initiative Research Technician

Location

Hammersmith Campus & St Mary’s Campus

Do you have the meticulous technical laboratory skills to help decode the human immune response to a major global pathogen? Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of life‑threatening infection worldwide. To stop it, we need to understand exactly how it adapts and how our bodies fight back. As a Research Technician within Dr Dinesh Aggarwal’s group, you will play a pivotal role in the delivery of a pioneering controlled human infection study that addresses this urgent need.

You will be the technical anchor of a multi‑disciplinary team, working closely with clinical fellows and research nurses to process and analyse valuable samples. You will:

• Managing the critical processing of both clinical human samples (including PBMC isolation) and bacterial cultures. Your ability to handle both sample types with precision is vital to the study’s success.
• Undertaking rigorous protocol execution. You will be applying a wide range of laboratory techniques – from molecular diagnostics (qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction) to immunological assays (ELISA, ELISpot, Flow Cytometry), ensuring every data point is valid, reliable and reproducible.
• You will act as a guardian of the study’s data, maintaining precise documentation in electronic lab notebooks and contributing to the analysis that will underpin future high‑impact scientific papers.
• You will lead on the efficient and safe operation of the laboratory, managing stocks and working flexibly to meet the time‑critical demands of in‑patient study schedules.

The successful candidate will need:

• An MSc in Microbiology, Immunology or a related biomedical subject (or imminent award of one).
• Proven experience in a research laboratory environment. You will ideally demonstrate competence in both basic bacteriology (handling Category II pathogens) and molecular biology techniques.
• Immunological Expertise:
  Practical experience with human sample processing is essential. Experience with PBMC isolation, cell culture or immunoassays (such as ELISA/ELISpot) is highly desirable.
• You must possess a meticulous approach to data recording and the ability to work independently under pressure. Flexibility regarding working hours is required to accommodate the unique needs of a human challenge study.

• Impact:
  The chance to contribute to the Fleming Initiative, a transformative partnership aiming to tackle AMR through people‑centred science.
• Mentorship:
  Work within Dr Dinesh Aggarwal’s group, collaborating with the wider teams of Prof Chris Chiu, Prof Shiranee Sriskandan and Dr Malick Gibani. You will be supported by experienced researchers and gain exposure to cutting‑edge experimental medicine.
• Growth:
  The opportunity to refine your laboratory skillset in a world‑leading research environment, with access to Imperial’s dedicated career support for researchers.
• Reward: A sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

This is a full‑time post, fixed‑term contract for 12 months in the first instance.

For further details, please contact:
Dr Dinesh Aggarwal ().

£41,005 to £45,616 per annum