Research Assistant - Harwell, United Kingdom - MRC Harwell

MRC Harwell

Verified Company

Harwell, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

We have an open-ended vacancy for a microinjection specialist in the Gene Delivery team at the Mary Lyon Centre (MLC).

The facility currently comprises one modern laboratory with four fully functional microinjection stations. The Gene Delivery group is composed of the laboratory manager and three research assistants.

This dedicated team is responsible for the production of customised mouse models using a range of technologies, including the use of embryonic stem (ES) cells and Crispr/CAS9 genome editing.

The laboratory works in very close collaboration with the ES cell facility, the molecular biology team and animal care staff to guarantee the smooth provision of services.

The Mary Lyon Centre specialises in developing and characterising mouse models of human disease.

Within this context, the Gene Delivery Team has responsibility for generating novel genetically altered mouse strains for the UK biomedical community.

This service is vital to the research of the Mary Lyon Centre, which also offers the national programme Genome Editing Mice for Medicine (GEMM)

The post-holder will report directly to the Gene Delivery laboratory manager and will work closely with all staff at the Mary Lyon Centre.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

Pronuclear and cytoplasmic microinjection of embryos

Blastocyst microinjection of embryos
Electroporation of embryos
Embryo harvesting and culturing of embryos at the relevant developmental stages for genetic modification
Embryo vitrification
Media and solution preparation
Glass pipette preparation
Small animal surgery, including the use of anaesthetics for embryo transfers
Use of inverted and stereo microscopes
General lab duties in keeping the lab clean and well stocked
Maintaining an accurate record of all activities
Supporting the work of the MLC and other groups within the unit

Full training in all techniques will be offered.

Key responsibilities:

All training will be provided.

Working Relationships:

The post-holder will report to the Gene Delivery laboratory manager and will work closely with staff from the Cellular and Molecular Biology laboratory and the MLC animal care staff to ensure the timely delivery of mouse production service.

Equality & Diversity:

The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all.

Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities.

The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management.

Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements:

The post-holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC's:

Code of Conduct
Equality and Diversity policy
Health and Safety policy
Data Protection and Security policy

***Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between the post-holder and their manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.

All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training Required:
Essential:_
HNC or equivalent experience
Desirable:_
BSc

Previous Work Experience Required:

Essential: _
An understanding of mammalian biology
Some laboratory experience
Evidence of working well within a team
Proven track record in maintaining accurate and complete records

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:_
Basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics
Computer literacy

Organisational skills:

Essential:_
Ability to work independently and prioritise the work
Ability to deliver projects on time and work to tight deadlines

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:

Essential: _

The post-holder will work within a team and will be expected to foster a good team relations in approaching challenging workloads, so good interpersonal and time-management skills are essential.

The post-holder also needs to able to work independently and be self-motivated to meet group targets.