Job Summary Table of Research Assistant

Job Description Summary

This Research Assistant/Associate position at Imperial College London focuses on mathematical modeling of Group B streptococcus (GBS) genomic epidemiology, funded by the Gates Foundation through the JUNO2 project to address a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis worldwide.

Research Assistant Role in Genomic Epidemiology Research 🦠

The MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College London is recruiting a Research Assistant or Associate for a critical role in advancing understanding of Group B streptococcus (GBS) genomic epidemiology. This position, funded by the Gates Foundation through the JUNO2 project (https://www.gbsgen.net), represents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to global health research that directly impacts infant mortality and morbidity worldwide.

Group B streptococcus presents a significant global health challenge as a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. However, substantial gaps in global surveillance of invasive infant GBS disease currently limit our understanding of its true burden. This research position aims to address these critical knowledge gaps through sophisticated mathematical modeling that integrates epidemiological and genomic data.

Research Assistant Responsibilities in Genomic Analysis

• Develop and apply mathematical models to analyze large-scale bacterial genomic datasets and associated epidemiological data
• Utilize existing frameworks (e.g., https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009389) to estimate the risk of invasive isolates emerging from carriage populations
• Forecast potential changes in disease burden across different countries following the introduction of vaccines against GBS
• Apply bioinformatic software, phylogenetics, and models of disease transmission and pathogenesis
• Generate critical insights into the role of GBS genetics in disease burden to inform vaccine implementation policies
• Collaborate with project partners at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and EMBL-EBI on genomic data analysis
• Contribute to reducing GBS-associated morbidity and mortality in neonates and infants worldwide through data-driven research

Benefits and Perks of Imperial College Research Position

• Competitive salary range of £43,003 – £56,345 per annum
• Fixed-term contract for one year with possibility of extension
• 39 days off annually (including holidays)
• Generous pension schemes
• Career development at a world-leading institution
• Access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers
• Opportunities for promotion and progression
• Diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture
• Various staff networks and resources supporting personal and professional wellbeing
• Potential for building extensive collaborations with world leaders in genomic data analysis

Imperial College London: World-Leading Research Institution 🏛️

Imperial College London stands as a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. As one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, Imperial navigates some of today’s toughest challenges, from global health to climate change and artificial intelligence to business leadership.

Company Overview of Imperial College London

Imperial College London represents a vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff collaborating across nine London campuses and a global network. The institution consistently ranks among the world’s elite universities and maintains a stellar reputation for excellence in research, education, and innovation. This position offers the opportunity to be part of an institution that shapes the future through groundbreaking research and innovation.

Imperial College Culture and Values

Imperial College works towards equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination, and creating an inclusive working environment for all. Applications are encouraged from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, demonstrating a commitment to employing teams with diverse skills, experiences, and abilities. The university’s core values—respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation—are at the foundation of everything they do, and everyone in the community is expected to embody these principles.

Career Growth Opportunities in Research

This position within the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, a centre of excellence for mathematical modeling and pathogen epidemiology, offers extensive opportunities for professional development. The successful candidate will work closely with world leaders in genomic data analysis at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and EMBL-EBI, providing unparalleled opportunities for building collaborations, acquiring new skills, and generating impactful results that directly inform public health policy.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Imperial

Imperial College London is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels valued. The university strives to eliminate discrimination and create equal opportunities for all members of its community, regardless of background or identity. This commitment extends to their recruitment processes, where they actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds to enrich their research capabilities and perspectives.

How to Apply for the Research Assistant Position 📝

Application Process

1. Review the complete job description and requirements
2. Prepare your application materials (CV, cover letter, etc.)
3. Submit your application through the Imperial College London online application system
4. If you experience any technical issues while applying online, contact support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk for assistance

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 13 May 2025. However, Imperial College reserves the right to close the advert prior to the stated closing date should they receive a high volume of applications, so early submission is advised.

How to Apply

For further details about the role, interested candidates can contact Dr. Nicholas Croucher at n.croucher@imperial.ac.uk. To apply, visit the official job posting and follow the application instructions.

FAQs or Additional Information

• The position is based at the White City Campus with a hybrid working arrangement
• Job reference number: MED05208
• Additional documents available for download: “Research Assistant or Associate Job Description.pdf” and “Employee Benefits Booklet.pdf”
• Imperial College London is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates

This Research Assistant/Associate position represents a remarkable opportunity to contribute to critical global health research while developing your career at a world-class institution. If you possess experience in quantitative analyses of large genomic and/or epidemiological datasets and are interested in applying your skills to combat a significant cause of infant mortality worldwide, this role offers the perfect platform to make a meaningful impact.

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