Research Assistant for Antibody Fragmentation and Validation

About us

The UCL Institute for Materials Discovery (IMD) has been established in 2014 within the Department of Chemistry. The mission of IMD is to link fundamental materials science, chemistry, physics, nanotechnology, engineering and biological principles across the institution, to create new research opportunities and tackle global problems in transport, clean energy, environment, healthcare and biomedicine. For more information please visit http://www.ucl.ac.uk/institute-for-materials-discovery

About the role

Applications are invited for a research assistant position to join the Advanced Biosensing Technology group led by Dr Bing Li at the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/institute-for-materials-discovery/), University College London. This is a 1-year EPSRC/MRC funded project, to begin in July 2023 or soon after, which aims to produce the antibody fragments and validate their detection activity toward the specific protein biomarkers at the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery. The project will focus on two key areas: (i) the production of antibody fragments (half antibody, F(ab’)2, and Fab’ etc); the characterisation of these fragment structures using SDS-PAGE, HPLC, western plot; and the validation the binding affinity to specific proteins using ELISA techniques etc; and the (ii) detection of specific blood protein biomarkers in clinical samples using traditional (ELISA) and novel (nanomaterial-based immunosensor) platforms. This will include the quantification/detection of the specific blood biomarkers using both whole antibodies and antibody fragments. This work will require the determination of the limit of detection of the assay, as well as the specificity and stability of biomarkers in buffers and clinical samples. This work aims to optimise the nanomaterial-based immunosensor performance, in turn improving the detection of specific biomarkers for practical application. Other responsibilities may include keeping records to the GCLP standards, assisting with lab maintenance (including but not limited to stock maintenance) and general laboratory organisation. The Research Assistant will provide technical support and be responsible for general project management responsibilities.

About you

The successful candidate must have (or expect to obtain) a 1st or strong 2:1 degree (or the equivalent qualification) in Neuroscience or Molecular Biology, or a relevant laboratory, biomedical or related science subject. Experience in laboratory-based research is essential. Applicants with a broad range of relevant backgrounds with a minimum of three years of study at university level will be considered. A master’s degree in Neuroscience or Molecular Biology, antibody production/characterisation, or a relevant laboratory, biomedical or related science subject is desirable. Candidates with an interest in assay development are encouraged to apply. The project also requires strong experimental skills in techniques to modify and characterise antibody fragments that will be used on our biosensing assays. They should demonstrate a strong desire to learn, and the ability to innovate and work independently, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills, good team working skills, and a strong critical thinking capability. Good record-keeping and the ability to collaborate with internal and external collaborators is necessary.

What we offer

We offer a salary in the range of £35,702- £37,548 per annum (Grade 6/SP 25-27), inclusive of London Allowance. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

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. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/