View Vacancy -- Research Assistant - MLC 1213

Open Date
20/11/2019, 16:00
Close Date
10/12/2019, 23:55
MRC Mary Lyon Centre

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
None
Fixed Term
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time
Until 30th April 2021

Overall purpose:

The Mary Lyon Centre at the Medical Research Council Harwell requires a Research Assistant to provide technical support in a busy Genome Engineering service team. The successful candidate will work within the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) group and in close collaboration with the Genotyping and Mutation Screen (GEMS) core facility. His/her activity will span a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques.

 

The available post is based within established laboratories involved in the generation and quality control of mouse targeted alleles and genotyping. He/she will work as part of a team and be responsible for performing a range of Molecular Biology techniques (including generation of CRISPR reagents, PCR, Sanger sequencing analysis, digital droplet PCR, non-radioactive Southern blotting and qPCR-based genotyping) and embryonic stem (ES) cell culture. Emphasis on particular techniques will vary according to service demand.

 

Previous experience of some of these techniques will be an advantage, but not essential, as training will be provided.

 

 

Main duties / key responsibilities:

Characterisation and quality control of genetically modified materials employing PCR-based techniques and non-radioactive Southern blotting. Genotyping. Sample management and communication of results. Some cell culture.

 

Other general duties required are to ensure smooth running of a Molecular Biology laboratory i.e. ordering reagents – tasks shared with rest of team.

 

Working relationships:

  • Process samples/tasks by working as a team with the other Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) team members, as directed by the MCB Deputy Head initially or by the External Genotyping Coordinator as per workload demands.

 

  • Work with scientists in the different research groups, to help process samples as efficiently as possible

 


Education / Qualifications / Training required:

Essential:

  • BSc in Biological Sciences or related. Understanding of basic techniques (qPCR, cloning)

Desirable:

  • An understanding of genetic modification in laboratory animals.
  • MSc in Biological Sciences with several years laboratory-based molecular biology training. Understanding of genome engineering techniques (gene targeting, CRISPR-based tools)

Previous work experience required:

Essential:

  • Experience of working in a laboratory.

Desirable:

  • Previous work with genetically modified materials.
  • Previous experience in genotyping would be desirable, although some training in molecular techniques and automated liquid handling can be given. Evidence of quality and customer focused work.

Knowledge and experience:

Essential:

  • Experience in basic techniques of Molecular Biology e.g. PCR, cloning, Southern blotting.
  • Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results.

 

Desirable:

  • Previous experience with DNA sequence analysis software.
  • Experience of work in sterile conditions.
  • Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience of process analysis and refinement.

 

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:

Essential:

  • Organised, hard-working with a strong eye for detail and is able to work well as part of a team.

 

Desirable:

  • Able to communicate clearly and concisely with a variety of scientists at all levels (from Principal investigator to research assistants and animal technicians).

 

Some flexible work patterns and paid weekend work may be required at the discretion of the supervisor.


Closing date for applications is 10th December 2019.

Interviews will be held in early January 2020.

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.