Research Assistant

Hammersmith Campus, Full-time on campus

Job Summary

Research in the Division of Neuroscience addresses mechanisms that underpin nervous system functions and diseases. Investigators in the Division are exploring these through combinations of neurophysiological, anatomical, molecular, cellular and computational approaches, using pre-clinical models and clinical studies.  

The post is funded by funds to Di Giovanni’s lab to investigate the molecular and cellular underpinnings of regenerative failure after nerve and spinal cord injuries.

The Research Assistant will be expected to generate data of high quality that can be submitted for publication to high-profile refereed journals and to attract external research funding.

Exciting recent research developments have placed the role of axonal signalling and transcriptional regulation at the centre of the capacity of axons to re-grow after spinal cord injury. These include work from our laboratory (see Di Giovanni S, on PubMed). Given that neurological recovery and axonal regeneration are not possible following a spinal injury, understanding how the re-growth of injured axons is controlled is key to enhancing axonal regeneration and potentially functional recovery.

Durties and Responsibilities

You will take the initiative in the planning of research, whilst directing the work of the small research teams, you will motivate and support individuals helping to identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data. Provide guidance o both staff and students.

Whilst conducting data analysis, you will always ensure the validity and reliability of data, maintain accurate and complete records, producing reports for research sponsors. Data will be presented to both colleagues, and at conferences, promoting the reputation of the group, the department and college. Developing key contacts and research collaborations both within the wider community and within the college are essential.

Contribute to research grants bids and actively participate in the research programme of the group. Conduct and plan your own scientific work (with appropriate supervision), whilst maintaining highly organised and accurate record of experimental work. Help support other allied scientists with Imperial college and elsewhere in London, and abroad as appropriate, publishing in high quality journals and presenting data at national and international meetings.

Essential requirements

• You will have a degree in Neuroscience a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
• Practical experience within a research environment and/or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Experience in dealing with a diverse scientific environment
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including related to neurobiology and immunology
• Practical experience within a research environment and/or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Knowledge of gene expression analysis
• Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
• Knowledge of research immunoblotting
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts
• Creative approach to problem-solving
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision

Any questions about the role can be directed to:

Professor Simone di Giovanni (s.di-giovanni@imperial.ac.uk).

Imperial Expectations guide the behaviour of all our staff.

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