Research Fellow

About us

A Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the Peppa lab to work on the immunology of HIV/HBV infection to advance cure strategies. The post holder will be based at the new state-of-the-art Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, in UCL’s Division of Infection and Immunity (Royal Free campus, Pears Builiding). Work within the Division of Infection & Immunity aims to translate advances in the understanding of pathogens and the immune system into improved therapies. The Peppa lab aims to dissect the molecular and cellular mechanisms that dictate immune cell fucntion, in particular of NK cell subsets, in patients living with chronic viral infection to facilate development of new and safe therapeutics. The group has strong clinical links to the adjacent Royal Free Hospital.

About the role

The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic team of clinicians and basic sciantists working on interlinking aspects of the immune response to HIV, HBV and co-infection. The post, funded by a prestigious NIH award, will be mainly focused on examining memory NK cell responses within different anatomical compartments and developing new methods for efficient memory-like NK cell expansions for therapeutic use. The successful candidate will work directly together with the PI within a dynamic group of scientists working on integrated aspects of the immune responses during HIV, HBV infection and co-infection. Appointment on Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, the initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. The post is available to start as soon as possible, for one year in the first instance. If you have any queries regarding the vacancy please contact: d.peppa@ucl.ac.uk

About you

The successful applicant should have an MSc and/or PhD or equivalent in Biology/ Immunology/Biomedical Sciences or related subject and experience of working in a research laboratory. A high level of attention to detail and a proven commitment to scientific excellence are essential. Significant experience of research in human cellular immunology including a high level of competency at cell culture and multiparameter flow cytometry is required. Experience in transcriptomics and bioinfromatics is highly desirable.The candidate needs to be prepared to work flexible hours and have hepatitis B immunity. They must be highly organised, able to manage time and work to strict deadlines. They must be able to deal pleasantly & effectively with a wide range of people and keep accurate and detailed written laboratory records.

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 (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/