Job description
We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the translational Lymphoma Immunology group led by Dr Alan G. Ramsay. The group aims to identify effective combination immunotherapy and mechanisms of action within the tumour microenvironment/TME. In addition, we study and model the role of fibroblasts and endothelial cells within lymphoid tissue TMEs, as well as clinical trial-associated biomarker and bioassay studies to help advance the design of future therapies for patients.   

Immunotherapy response rates have been disappointingly low in many B cell malignancies that develop within lymphoid tissues (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). This has highlighted the need to understand immunosuppressive mechanisms within these tumours (TMEs). This post represents a unique opportunity for an ambitious scientist to develop their scientific career and make significant contributions to an exciting and translationally focussed field with mentorship by Dr Ramsay and team.  
 
The post will be based at Guy’s Cancer Centre, London Bridge allowing access to exceptional core laboratories including tissue culture (to model tumour, immune and stromal cell cultures), the Nikon Imaging Centre @ King’s (advanced confocal imaging) and the NIHR BRC Flow Cytometry and Genomics cores (high dimensional analysis facilities). Candidates are expected to have cell biology/tumour biology and immunology experience. This post is funded for 2 years in the first instance and interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Ramsay (alan.ramsay@kcl.ac.uk) 
 
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/dr-alan-ramsay  
https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/24610/overview 
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=24462154000  
 
Recent publication from group: 
 
Ioannou N, et al . Triggering interferon signaling in T cells with avadomide sensitizes CLL to anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy. Blood. 2021 (Cover image and Commentary)  
Apollonio B, et al. Understanding the Immune-Stroma Microenvironment in B Cell Malignancies for Effective Immunotherapy. Front Oncol. 2021. 
 
This post will be offered as a fixed-term contract for 24 months in the first instance with expectation of extension. 
This is a full-time post

Key responsibilities
 

• Motivation to perform research to the highest standards, aiming for publication in high impact scientific journals 
• Management of own academic research and administrative duties, planning, developing and executing experiments in discussion with Dr Ramsay. This involves project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines 
• Contribute directly to scientific discussions with Dr Ramsay and other members of the group and collaborators 
• Be able to adapt and develop new experimental approaches  
• Coordination and running of the laboratory including supervisory responsibilities for laboratory staff and students 
• Work as part of a team to prepare documentation including grant applications, manuscripts for publication, scientific meetings; opportunity to attend and present at International scientific meetings 
• Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate research programme needs, core facility equipment availability and receipt of weekly patient biospecimens 
• Undertaking other duties as may be that are commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post 
• Provide excellent, highly organised methodology, data, sample and reagent management, laboratory record keeping for the group and risk assessments/ COSHH regulations upkeep
• Collaborate within King’s College London and with collaborating partners, necessary for successful completion of the project. This will require prompt responses to work-related emails, and participation in teleconferences and in face-to-face meetings 
• Communicate conceptual and complex ideas to a variety of audiences using appropriate media and methods 
• Be responsible for day-to-day decisions to ensure smooth running of the project and will be expected to discuss experimental plans with Dr Ramsay 
• Work independently in planning day to day activities in accordance with the project deadlines as agreed with Dr Ramsay 
• Be able devise and trouble-shoot workflows 
• Work towards delivering agreed project goals. 
• Give support to junior team members in dealing with queries and monitor objectives and standards 
• Write and contribute to publications  
• Make presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events. 
• Be expected to collaborate and liaise with external collaborators. 
• Be expected to supervise team members 
• Act as a responsible team member, leading where agreed, and develop productive working relationships with other team members 
• Be self-motivated to improve their skills and knowledge, and keep up to date with developments in the field 

 
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  
 
Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1. PhD in relevant area of Immunology, Cellular/ Molecular Biology / Biochemistry or Tumour Biology  
2. Ability to manage own academic research projects and associated activities 
3. Experience in cell biology and/or cancer immunology research (e.g. tissue culture, protein analysis, 2D and 3D models, confocal imaging and high-quality image analysis (eg. Imaris)) 
4. Experience in primary  human and/or murine cell/T cell/immune cell culture techniques  
5. Experience in Multi-Colour Flow Cytometry and imaging (e.g. IHC-IF, multiplex) 
6. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write and present high quality scientific writing manuscripts for publication 
7. Evidence of scientific and cancer immunology interest and research ambition 
8. Experience in handling patient samples, blood and tissue samples 

Desirable criteria 
 

1. Experience in transcriptome sequencing, proteomic analysis 
2. Home office Modules A-C training, Personal license 
3. Immune cell motility assay expertise  

*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 
 
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.