Non-Clinical Early Career Researchers ▪ Contribute to Academic Leadership Within IIT
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DIVISION OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY Job Description Professor Grade: UCL Professorial Grade Department: Institute of Immunity and Location: Royal Free Campus, Transplantation, Division of Infection London and Immunity. Reports to: Professor Hans Stauss, Director of the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation The Division of Infection and Immunity at University College London is seeking an innovative scientist of international standing in immunology research for a professorial appointment at the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (IIT). The appointee is expected to bring expertise in basic and translational immunology and undertake research that provides insights into the mechanisms of human disease which informs the development of novel immunotherapy approaches. We invite applications from outstanding investigators with a strong collaboration record and sustained high levels of research productivity. Eligible candidates should have expertise in immunology to complement extensive expertise in molecular and cellular immunology that currently exists at the IIT. We are particularly keen to attract those whose research can take advantage of the strong links between the IIT and the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, which provides excellent opportunities for translational immunology research relevant to human health. Applicants will have substantial experience in teaching and education and show a commitment to providing outstanding training for students, junior scientists and clinicians. The IIT is committed to an inclusive environment. We particularly welcome female applicants and applicants with diverse ethnic backgrounds. This is an established position within UCL. A competitive salary will be offered on the Professorial scale Context The IIT is a partnership between UCL and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and is supported by UCLPartners (UCLP). It is characterised by the relationship between i) strong basic and preclinical expertise in human immunology research and experimental models of disease, and ii) active clinical programmes with diverse and well- characterised cohorts of patients with immune-related conditions at the Royal Free. Joint working with industry facilitates scale-up and the development of new forms of cell and gene therapy for patients. A strong commitment to postgraduate education aims to produce the next generation of scientifically- and clinically-trained immunity experts. Combining clinical and research expertise makes the IIT a world-leading centre dedicated to the in-depth study of the immunological basis of disease and the development of novel therapies. The IIT has been developed in 2 phases. The phase I investment of £7 million has provided newly refurbished research space adjacent to clinical services within the Royal Free Hospital. The phase I opened in 2013 and currently hosts approximately 80 scientists working on the human immune system. The phase II investment of £62 million has enabled the construction of the Pears Building to provide state-of-the-art research facilities for 200 scientists. The construction of the Pears Building started in March 2018 and has been completed in June 2021. The candidate appointed to this post will have office and laboratory space in the Pears building and join 22 group leaders who move into the new building in July/August 2021. The IIT will be one of the largest research institutes in Europe dedicated to the study of the human immune system and the development of new immunotherapies. The IIT is part of the UCL Division of Infection and Immunity which also contains the Research Department of Infection and the Africa Health Research Institute. Each has a well-funded research strategy with defined areas of synergy and collaborative working. The joint divisional undergraduate and postgraduate education programs provide students with access to multidisciplinary training at the cutting edge of research. The postholder will be an experienced individual with proven immunology research experience and expertise. The postholder will lead an active research program and will also deliver high quality education for undergraduate and postgraduate clinicians and scientists. This is an important senior academic post to take forward the vision of the IIT (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/immunity- transplantation). The post holder will promote translational research by bringing immunology research expertise to provide cutting edge care for patients. This post is a strategic priority for UCL and for the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. Main purpose of the job ▪ To lead an active research group in immunology at the IIT ▪ To contribute to the overall scientific mission of the IIT ▪ To contribute to the education and teaching activities of the IIT ▪ To actively maintain productive relationships with other investigators at the IIT to promote collaborations with other research organisations in the UK and worldwide. ▪ To contribute to scientific progress in the field as a whole by, for example, membership of expert committees editing specialist journals and refereeing funding applications Duties and responsibilities: Research ▪ Head an outstanding research team, which is expected to complement the programmes of other research groups hosted at the IIT. The post-holder will also apply for funding to support their future research programme. ▪ Promote the IIT objectives of excellence in translational immunology research. ▪ Develop, maintain and nurture significant, open and productive relationships with other groups at the IIT, and across the international scientific community. ▪ Regularly publish research material or produce other research outputs in a form eligible for inclusion in the Research Excellence Framework (REF). ▪ Demonstrate an ability to promote training and development of early career researchers at the IIT. ▪ Provide evidence of knowledge transfer to the broader community such as public engagement, technology transfer, social enterprise; demonstrating a commitment to maximizing the benefit of academic activities to society. ▪ Promote the aims of the Institute to the academic community, national and international funding bodies and relevant organisations. ▪ Develop productive interactions with commercial partners. ▪ Secure grant income to support all research activities and publish high quality original research in peer- reviewed journals ▪ Attract and mentor clinical and non-clinical early career researchers ▪ Contribute to academic leadership within IIT Teaching and Training ▪ Provide high quality training and supervision of research students. ▪ Contribute to the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students ▪ Lead on the development of a teaching module or short course Appraisal The postholder will be subject to annual UCL appraisals. Other Duties All academic staff are expected to demonstrate their on-going commitment to academic excellence; that is, to the conduct of research, publication, teaching, enabling and other forms of knowledge transfer, at the highest levels of international achievement. For more information on UCL research standards: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/research/ref Any other duties appropriate to the grade of the role as required by the line manager or the Division Director. The successful candidate will be expected to meet UCL’s expectations of core behaviours, as outlined in https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/core-behaviours-framework. Further information and visiting For queries about UCL or Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, please contact Professor Hans Stauss on [email protected]. Person specification Criteria Essential or Desirable Qualifications, experience and knowledge Higher academic degree e.g., PhD, or evidence of an equivalent level of attainment in E research publications Knowledge and understanding of the principles of resource and budgetary Management E Track record of extensive publications in high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals and E conferences Evidence of managing research grant funding and resources effectively E Active research profile in immunology at international level with a continuing track record of E external research grant funding Evidence of promoting excellence in all areas of immunology research E Proven ability and commitment to carry out high quality original research, leading to E publication in peer-reviewed journals Experience of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level E Evidence of recruiting and managing individual scientists effectively E Track record of external research grant funding as Principal Investigator E Skills and abilities Demonstrates initiative, problem solving and decision making E The ability to promote teamwork and motivate colleagues E Computer literate and excellent communication skills, oral and written E Able to organise and prioritise workload E Ability to communicate with colleagues within and outside the IIT E Practical experience in facilitating change E Involvement and commitment to continuing professional development E Ability to work on own initiative within an ever changing environment E Ability to represent the IIT and UCL to external audiences E Ability to work flexibly and able to undertake duties and travel to any UCL campus as E required. Training in interview and recruitment skills E Training in appraisal skills E Personal attributes The highest ethical and professional standards in research and education, and a flexible E attitude Positively welcoming, actively respectful, clearly communicating and visibly reassuring