Research Fellow (Sansom Lab) Full-time

Research Fellow (Sansom Lab)

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Division of Infection and Immunity at UCL, funded by a Wellcome Discovery Award to Professor David Sansom. Work within the Sansom lab aims further our understanding of the basic mechanisms underpinning the functioning of the CTLA-4 immune checkpoint. The post-holder will work on a research programme involving molecular manipulation of the CD28 / CTLA-4 pathway ligands and their receptors along with functional experiments studying T cell responses. The post holder will work within a focused team addressing complimentary aspects of checkpoint biology.

The post is within the UCL institute for Infection, Immunity and Transplantation. The post-holder will work as part of a highly focused team in the laboratory of Prof. David Sansom working on the molecular functions of the CD28 CTLA-4 pathway.

The post holder will be an enthusiastic researcher and hold or expect to obtain a PhD in molecular and cellular immunology. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with the ability to generate their own research strategies and pursue them with determination, flexibility and creativity while working in a team orientated environment. The position is available to start as soon as possible for up to 3 years.

The post requires a curious, self-motivated individual to carry out research relating to the function of the CD28-CTLA-4 pathway. The successful candidate will possess skills in molecular biology and T cell immunology and will carry out laboratory experiments to probe the immune regulatory function of CD28-CTLA-4 and their ligands. 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 able to manage their own time day-to-day, work independently in a laboratory environment and work to strict deadlines when asked. They must be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and keep accurate and detailed written laboratory records.

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, telling us, using examples, 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, technical issues, or need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, please contact the staffing team at hr.ii@ucl.ac.uk.

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 backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

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.

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. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.