About this role
Job summary
We are looking to appoint a Band 4 laboratory technician to the Wincup Lab, to support the FOREUM funded research project 'Predicting Risk of Evolution to Lupus through Understanding Dysfunctional Immune Tolerance in Exhausted Tregs (PRELUDE)'. The Wincup lab is a translational immunology group led by Dr Chris Wincup (Consultant Rheumatologist at King's College Hospital / Adjunct Senior Lecturer at King's College London).
The group focuses on the immunopathology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related autoimmune diseases and is comprised of Rheumatology Researchers including clinicians and post-doctoral research associates, and as part of the Centre for Rheumatic Disease Clinical Trials Group, work closely with Clinical Research Nurses, Clinical Research Practitioners, and trial coordinators for project delivery. Our Centre was recently recognised as a EULAR Centre of Excellence for the quality of research conducted. The Rheumatology Research Team also have a close working relationship with the NIHR King's Clinical Research Facility with access to staff cover and facilities, and partnerships with Haematology and Renal research teams.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support the management and maintenance of samples processed within the Wincup lab alongside the lab group post-doctoral research associates. You will also be responsible for contributing to robust Standard Operating Procedures related to this area of practice. The post-holder will require proficiency in core immunology techniques including peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation, cell culture, and multiparameter flow cytometry. The post-holder will be responsible for processing samples from a longitudinal patient cohort, performing functional Treg assays, and contributing to the maintenance of a well-organised biobank.
About us
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. Transforming Healthcare is the vision at the heart of the King's Strategy - 2026 to 2031. Together, we are pursuing six strategic ambitions: delivering high-quality patient care; being a great place to work; leading pioneering research, innovation and education; building strong and successful partnerships; providing timely and efficient care; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Achieving these ambitions will require all of us to work as one Team King's, united by a shared commitment to our values of being caring, collaborative, inclusive and innovative. By living these values every day, we will transform healthcare for our patients, our communities and each other
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Job description Job responsibilities
Process peripheral blood samples from SLE patients and at-risk individuals enrolled in the PRELUDE study, including PBMC isolation, cryopreservation, and biobanking
Maintain and organise the PRELUDE study biobank, ensuring accurate sample tracking and storage logs
Perform multiparameter flow cytometry to characterise regulatory T cell (Treg) phenotype and function, including panel preparation, sample acquisition, and data export
Contribute to flow cytometry data analysis using FlowJo or equivalent software
Conduct functional Treg suppression assays and other cell-based immunological assays as directed by the postdoctoral team
Carry out molecular biology techniques including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and gene expression analysis where required
Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in line with GCP and institutional requirements
To be able to follow departmental SOPs and prepare samples accurately
To be able to use computer systems correctly, enter data accurately from transcription sheets or request forms
To assist in the training and supervision of staff / students working in the Wincup Group as part of their induction.
Ensure all research activity is conducted in accordance with relevant NHS and university research governance frameworks
Attend and contribute to regular laboratory meetings and journal clubs
Assist with ordering laboratory consumables and maintaining equipment logs
Contribute to the preparation of data for presentations, grant reports, and manuscripts as directed
Person Specification
education & qualifications Essential
BSc degree in Immunology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, or closely related life science discipline
Desirable
MSc or higher degree in a relevant subject area GCP certification (must be obtained prior to or shortly after commencement of post)
knowledge and experience Essential
Hands-on wet laboratory experience, including cell culture and PBMC isolation
Desirable
Experience with multiparameter flow cytometry, including panel preparation and sample acquisition Experience with molecular biology techniques (RNA extraction, gene expression analysis) Familiarity with flow cytometry analysis software (e.g. FlowJo) Basic data analysis skills, including experience with R, Python, or equivalent Experience working within a clinical or translational research setting
Skills and competencies Essential
Competency in standard IT and data management tools Ability to communicate effectively using clear written and spoken English Strong written and verbal communication skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Kings College Hospital - Denmark Hill
Bessemer wing
Denmark Hill
SE59RJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)