Research Assistant in Neurogenetics - MGU 1191

Open Date
02/10/2019, 23:55
Close Date
23/10/2019, 23:55
MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit
MRC Harwell Institute is an international biological research centre at the forefront of the use of mammalian models to study genetics and human diseases. Located on the Harwell Campus, just south of Oxford, it is nestled amongst a vibrant community of leading science organisations. We aim to advance medicine through cutting-edge research into the genetic basis of disease. Our research programmes span an entire lifetime, from embryonic development to diseases of ageing. There are over 300 staff at the Institute made up of research scientists, technicians, animal carers, and business support personnel.
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 5
Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire
£23,489 - £26,338
Permanent
Science
Full Time

We are seeking a research assistant in neurogenetics, ideally already skilled in behavioural phenotyping and histopathological techniques. The post-holder will join the Mouse Models of Neurodegeneration group at MRC Harwell led by Dr Thomas Cunningham, in close collaboration with Professor Elizabeth Fisher at UCL, to characterise and analyse new genetic models of ALS. Duties will include neurobehavioral phenotyping, histopathological analysis of spinal cord motor neurons and neuromuscular junctions, plus there will be opportunities to learn genome engineering techniques.

This is an exciting and challenging position. The post-holder will be part of a larger Harwell – UCL Institute of Neurology group studying neurodegeneration, and will work with full support from the various services offered by MRC Harwell and at UCL.

The candidate must have an interest in genetics and the biology of neurodegenerative disease.

Education / Qualifications / Training required:

Qualifications and Training:

Essential:

  • Degree in appropriate discipline (e.g. Genetics, Biochemistry, Cell biology, Molecular biology, Neuroscience)
  • The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary collaboration; particularly with technically demanding projects

Previous research experience required:

Essential:

  • Mouse handling and behavioural phenotyping experience
  • Experience with histopathological techniques
  • An understanding of mouse genetics

Desirable:

  • Holder of a Home Office Personal Licence
  • Skills required to organise and look after mouse colonies
  • Neuroscience background
  • Neurobehavioral phenotyping experience
  • Neuro-histopathology experience

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:

Essential:


  • Enthusiastic and highly motivated
  • Excellent communication skills – ability to work well with colleagues from different teams at different research institutes
  • Excellent organisation skills – ability to work on different models and projects at one time
  • Imaginative, flexible, pro-active approach
  • A positive attitude to supporting other group members
  • Ability in short- and long-term planning
  • Trouble-shooting skills
  • Meticulous care in documenting laboratory protocols and results

MRC Harwell Institute is an international centre at the forefront of mouse genetics. Located on the Harwell Campus, just south of Oxford, it is nestled amongst a vibrant community of leading science organisations. We aim to advance medicine through cutting-edge research into the genetic basis of disease. Our research programs span an entire lifetime, from embryonic development to diseases of ageing. They cover many areas, investigating the underlying genetics in disorders of sex development, the relationship between disrupted circadian rhythms and psychiatric disease, the role of cilia in development and disease, age-related deafness and otitis media, neurodegenerative disease and type 2 diabetes.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined salary pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme as well as the chance to put the MRC on your CV in the future.

More information about the MRC Harwell Institute can be found at http://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.

We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.  The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

This opportunity is closed to applications.