Research Immunologist

We are currently seeking an interim Research Immunologist to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at Kings College, London. This is a full-time temporary role for 12 months, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £56,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

BACKGROUND

The Science and Technology (S&T) pillar is charged with the delivery of breakthrough technologies and differentiated innovations to meet the needs of our consumers around the world, developing new functional ingredients for our leading brands. Human Biology (HB) is a Science and Technology Platform investigating the biological mechanisms that underpin key consumer phenotypes leading to the generation of new technologies for the next generation of personal care products and providing novel insights to support superior claims in the marketplace.

A UL Bioscience Hub has been established at Kings College London, with UL scientists based at Guys Campus. The main purpose of this Hub is to enable UL scientists to work alongside globally recognised experts in the Bioscience field, allowing access to world leading scientific expertise and technical capability.

An opportunity has arisen in the S&T Human Biology team for a PhD-qualified scientist to join our team at Kings College London, reporting to the Bioscience Hub leader & senior scientist for a 12-month maternity cover contract. The role is ideally suited to a self-motivated, resourceful research scientist with ability to work on their own initiative and with strong people and communication skills. A background in immunology is essential with a knowledge of skin biology highly desirable.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme support: As part of the HB S&T programme, provide immunology expertise to support all project workstreams. Undertake lab-based research to identify new insights, targets & technology for relevant categories.
External networks and resources: Leverage the best of both academia and industry, including assessing and working with independent service providers, to support the development of new technologies. Contribute to building the new KCL Hub and establishing an effective scouting network within the University.
Science capability build: Support internal efforts to build knowledge and expertise in the area of skin immunology. Actively evaluate new science capabilities, establish relevant capabilities into practice and assist in alignment with relevant UL programmes.
Business relationships: Build and maintain effective working relationships with project teams in Human Biology, Human Microbiome and business category stakeholders in UL.
People/Skills Development: Be proactive, self-motivated, with ability to work on their own initiative and with strong communication skills, for delivering the immunology focussed Human Biology agenda and exploiting the opportunities of the KCL hub.

ALL ABOUT YOU

A degree in a biological based subject is essential. A PhD, or equivalent experience, with a strong emphasis in human immunology is preferred. Experience of skin biology/immunology would be ideal, or other host-microbial interface such as hair and oral mucosa.
Proven ability to handle primary cells, particularly immune cells, is preferred. Experience of co-culture systems, 3D models, histological analysis of immune biomarkers, and experience of managing tissue in accordance with the UK Human Tissue Act would be an added advantage.
Omic measurements (e.g. RNAseq, proteomics etc) of cells and/or tissues and bioinformatic analyses thereof using R and/or other software platforms is desirable. Knowledge of single cell and/or spatial transcriptomic techniques is an added advantage.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external partners for new technology development, as well as initiating new partnerships
Ability to effectively balance multiple concurrent activities and deliver to established deadlines.
A strong interest in translational research and industrial R&D; the direct experience of delivering a research agenda in an industrial setting would be an added advantage.
Fluent spoken and written English