Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen within St John's Institute of Dermatology, at King's College London. The group is looking to appoint a research assistant to assist with an innovative project investigating the transcriptome of wounds from epidermolysis bullosa patients at single-cell level.    

This short-term post will focus on generating data from chronic wounds of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patients. The findings of the work will be integrated into a broader group in collaboration with external partners to identify potential drug targets that can improve wound healing. The postholder will be supervised by Dr Alexandros Onoufriadis and Professor John McGrath, the Head of St. John's Institute of Dermatology. 

The postholder, who will join a multi-disciplinary team of basic scientists and clinicians, will be responsible for handling skin biopsies that will undergo bulk RNA-Seq and single-cell RNA sequencing. The research assistant is expected to liaise with the clinical team to collect patient samples and with the in-house Flow Cytometry and Genomics facilities. There is also scope to contribute to the analysis of the single-cell sequencing data. 

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the ability to work independently. Previous experience with sample processing for single-cell sequencing is essential. Familiarity with FACS analysis and RNA work would be an advantage. 

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 12 months starting Sept/Oct 2021. 

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

• To process skin biopsies and perform single-cell isolation  
• To perform FACS sorting  
• To perform RNA extraction, assess RNA quality and proceed with reverse transcription and quantitative PCR of various genes 
• To liaise with the clinical team during patient biopsying and the BRC Genomics facility for single-cell and total-RNA sequencing 
• Work effectively to strict deadlines and measurable targets 
• Record, analyse and write up the results of experiments 
• Prepare and present findings of research activity to colleagues for review purposes 
• Present work and other material at laboratory meetings 
• To provide in-depth knowledge of technical or scientific practices, methods and procedures gained through experience and/or formal qualification  
• To support a range of technical activities, providing advice/ guidance and training to colleagues as necessary 
• To be responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided and resolving problems as they arise 
• To forge relationships with colleagues in the Faculty and university, in order to deliver the required support as well as to contribute to process development and the adoption of best practice  
• To foster a stimulating, innovative and inclusive cultural environment across the Faculty enabling students and staff to thrive and develop, ensuring that processes and policies are visible, accessible and transparent  
• To provide advice and guidance and, where appropriate, training on university policies, processes and where required, source information and support for colleagues to facilitate their work 
• To participate in cross-Faculty/ university projects and initiatives. 
• To actively engage in Continuing Professional Development and training initiatives, in line with the Technician Commitment 
   

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. BSc in Biomedical Science or related subject 
2. Significant experience with tissue dissociation and single-cell isolation and purification  
3. Significant experience in molecular biology techniques including RNA extraction, reverse transcription and quantitative PCR 
4. Experience with FACS sorting and tissue culture techniques 
5. Significant experience in handling and processing clinical samples 
6. Organised and highly motivated individual 
7. Problem solving skills and ability to take initiative 
8. Excellent team working and communication skills  
9. Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines  
10. Excellent and accurate record keeping
     

Desirable criteria 

1. MSc/MRes or other related postgraduate qualification 
2. Experience working with skin samples 
3. Experience with single-cell sequencing and RNA-Seq 

Further information
Interview process will include a panel interview