Research Associate Job Type: Full-Time. Starting Salary: Negotiable plus benefits To find out more about the job please click the ‘apply for job’ button to be taken to Imperial job site About the role Asthma affects 300 million people worldwide and whilst most patients can control their symptoms with current therapies, a subset of patients with severe disease continue to experience life-threatening exacerbations, reduced quality of life and increased morbidly. Recent advances in type-2 immunity targeting biologics have shown positive outcomes in some patients by reducing exacerbation rates. However, a key feature of asthma is airway remodelling and currently no therapies for asthma have been approved that target remodelling, a key driver of disease severity and reduced life-long lung function. To gain deep mechanistic insight into the complex cellular interactions that occur within the airway wall of severe asthmatics, we are looking for an individual to perform Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) and spatial transcriptomics on endobronchial biopsies, pre and post Benralizumab therapy. As part of the ongoing Phase IV CHINOOK Trial , biopsies will be collected at baseline, and at 48 weeks following benralizumab or placebo control. Using these multiplex technologies, the aim will be to ascertain if depletion of eosinophils can reverse stromal cell remodelling and identify novel anti-remodelling targets. The successful candidate will work alongside established members of the team who will conduct metabolomics on these samples via Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass spectrometry (REIMs) Data analysis will be a key component of this project and while support will be available via the appointment of a bioinformatician to the project, a keen interest in mining complex data sets will be essential. What you would be doing The successful candidate will have a PhD in a related discipline, be technically proficient in a range of imaging techniques, and have the ambition and drive to succeed. This post will provide the opportunity to develop and drive a research project as well as writing up work for presentation and publication. Therefore, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, have excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills are essential. What we are looking for The successful candidate will have a PhD in a related discipline, be technically proficient in a range of imaging techniques, and have the ambition and drive to succeed. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £43,003 - £46,297 per annum This post will provide the opportunity to develop and drive a research project as well as writing up work for presentation and publication. Therefore, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, have excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills are essential. Experience with Multiparameter IHC/IF techniques or Imaging Mass Cytometry Extensive Microscopy experience (Confocal, widefield, or IMC). Knowledge or experience of Second Harmonic Generation microscopy would be advantageous. Image Analysis and associated software, would be desirable, including Image J, ICY, IMARIS, Huygens, Volocity, MCD, Cell Profiler, ilastik. Experience of analysing life sciences 'big data' - such Imaging Mass Cytometry, Spatial Transcriptomics, Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy data, NGS data, other 'omics data and/or knowledge of public bioinformatics resources for biological data interrogation and interpretation. Experience of using R and/or python code for bioinformatics data analysis of multiplex complex datasets. Knowledge of MATLAB or Perl What we can offer you The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes). Further information This is a full time and a fixed-term (18 montjs) start date 1st February 2025 and based in the Hammersmith Campus. Full details of the role can be found in the Job Description. You will be required to complete an online application for this post. Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Clare Lloyd, Professor of Respiratory Immunology - c.lloydimperial.ac.uk, or Laura Yates, Research Manager Lloyd Lab - l.yatesimperial.ac.uk Closing Date: 16/12/2024