Head of Gene Delivery - MLC - 279

Open Date
29/07/2016, 00:05
Close Date
13/09/2016, 23:55
MRC Mary Lyon Centre
We are a major international research centre at the forefront of studies in mouse genetics and functional genomics. We are investigating a wide variety of disease models in mice, in order to enhance our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of disease.
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 - 3
Didcot, Oxfordshire
£37,024-£43,520
Permanent
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time

Overall purpose:

Central to the generation of new mouse models is the technical process of delivering genetic material into mouse germ cells (usually embryos). This post will manage the delivery of this service and establish/develop new techniques of embryo manipulation in order to exploit the potential of technologies such as genome editing for the efficient generation of improved and relevant mouse models for basic scientific and pre-clinical studies.

Working alongside the Molecular and Cellular biology and Biological Resources team, this post will fulfil a crucial role in this high-throughput service.

 

Main duties / key responsibilities:

This post holder will perform the following:

•         Be responsible for the delivery of genetic material into the mouse genome in order to generate new genetically altered mouse lines

•         Manage and continue the training for team of 4 technicians to efficiently pursue current techniques

•         Develop sophisticated schedules to increase the efficiency and through put of the team

•         Introduce new technologies with the intent to greatly reduce the numbers of animals used and refine the techniques

•         Record and report all activities from capacity monitoring, benchmarking against other similar units in the UK and Internationally and reporting to MRC Harwell Scientific Advisory Board

•         Integrate any collaborating research programmes involving early embryo or sperm manipulations with the core service work

•         Present and disseminate the activity of the MLC at International meetings

  • Work collaboratively with scientific groups in relation to early embryonic gene manipulation

•         Be responsible for group budget

 

 

Working relationships:

 

Reporting directly to the Director of the Mary Lyon Centre, the post holder will work closely with both the Molecular and Cellular Biology team (who produce the molecular reagents for transgenesis at Harwell), the Biological Resources team (who are responsible for archiving, curating and disseminating all mouse lines generated at Harwell) and Operations team (animal care, breeding, genetic quality control).

The post will manage 4 technical support staff including an experienced deputy (band 4) and 3-4 microinjectionists (band 5).

The post holder will also be expected to be part of the senior management team of the Mary Lyon Centre, participate in facility-wide activities (such as training, Athena Swan etc) and be an active member of the MLC Executive Group.

This individual will be expected to collaborate with scientific staff and groups both within and external to the Harwell campus and forge effective partnerships with other mouse centres throughout the world.

Essential:

PhD or masters in molecular embryology/biology.

Experience of transgenic techniques and pre-implantation embryology

In vivo experimental work, especially statistical analysis of experimental data

 

Skills and expertise:

•         Pre-implantation embryo handling

•         Advanced light microscopy skills

•         Skills with micromanipulators

•         Embryo microinjection

•         Microsurgery skills

•         Mouse handling

•         Line Management skills

 

Knowledge:

•         Scientific processes underpinning transgenic techniques

•         Early embryology

 

Communication skills- both written and oral

Able to form partnerships and collaborations

Are focussed upon delivery

Strive for the high quality control

Effectively lead a team including pastoral issues

Passion for genetic research

Experience of customer-focused work

 

Desirable:

Management/supervisory training

Training in molecular biology and embryology, knowledge of statistical analysis

Managing scientific support services

Molecular biology, especially gene structure, DNA and RNA properties, DNA/RCA manipulation and handling

Quality management processes

Process management processes

Statistical analysis

Experience with collaborative scientific projects

Organisational skills

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.