Laboratory Technician

Job overview

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.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main 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 criteria

• BSc degree in Immunology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, or closely related life science discipline

Desirable criteria

• 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 criteria

• Hands-on wet laboratory experience, including cell culture and PBMC isolation

Desirable criteria

• 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 criteria

• Competency in standard IT and data management tools
• Ability to communicate effectively using clear written and spoken English
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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King's College Hospital is part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC), a pioneering collaboration between King's College London, and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts.