We have an exciting role for an experienced Research Assistant in Neurogenomics in the group of Dr Nathan Skene (https://www.neurogenomics.co.uk/). Dr Skene’s research focuses on answering simple questions about brain diseases, through the analysis of epigenomic and genetic datasets. A major question we will be tackling involves 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.

Dementia is the greatest health challenge of our century.

To date there is no way to prevent it or even slow its progression, and there is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause it.

The UK Dementia Research Institute(UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative driving forward research to fill this gap.

The UK DRI at Imperialbrings together researchers from diverse backgrounds with fresh perspectives, drawing on the university’s unique strengths, resources and focus on science, engineering, medicine and business. The team recognises that the challenges of dementia demand new concepts, new approaches and a diverse range of new research tools and directions. Their holistic approach views the ageing brain in the context of the ageing body, not in isolation.

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide up-to-date technical expertise, advice and support to a very high standard for specialised methods for molecular cell characterisation for brain tissue analysis.


• Work proactively and methodically, with limited supervision.


• Maintain meticulous records for both experimental work and tissue storage/ management.


• Contribute constructively to the laboratory environment through shared administrative and technical support duties and an open, positive attitude.

Essential requirements

• You must hold a first degree or equivalent in relevant laboratory sciences (e.g., biology or biomedical related) or equivalent vocational qualification.


• You will have prior experience of working in a similar laboratory environment with practical experience of genomics methodologies.


• You will be inquisitive, self-motivated and practical, keen on developing your skills and willing to take on responsibilities within your competence.

Further information

This post is available on a full time, fixed term until January 2025. You will be based at White City and Hammersmith Campuses, west London.

Should you have any queries please contact Dr Nathan Skene n.skene@imperial.ac.uk

The College is a proud signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions, we evaluate applicants on the quality of their work, not the journal impact factor where it is published. For more information, see: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-evaluation/

The College believes that the use of animals in research is vital to improve human and animal health and welfare. Animals may only be used in research programmes where their use is shown to be necessary for developing new treatments and making medical advances. Imperial is committed to ensuring that, in cases where this research is deemed essential, all animals in the College’s care are treated with full respect, and that all staff involved with this work show due consideration at every level. http://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-integrity/animal-research

Documents

• JD_Research Assistant_2023.pdf