View Vacancy -- Phenotyping Technician - MLC 2726

The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research.  As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.

We have an opportunity for a Phenotyping Technician to join our Phenotyping Core Team in the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC), working across several different research projects to provide high-quality technical procedures and research data. 

Our team provides a vast range of phenotyping services in collaboration with other wards and teams inside the facility. 

In recent years, we have enhanced our capabilities and expanded our capacity by adopting cutting-edge experimental procedures aligned with ongoing technological advancements in the field. 

We work with classical phenotyping devices that allow the monitoring of behavioural changes in mice (e.g., in areas such as metabolism, anxiety, memory, locomotion, and social interaction) and with more advanced procedures such as electrophysiology (e.g., electroencephalography, electromyography and electroretinography), in vivo imaging (e.g., ultrasound, X-ray, in vivo fluorescence and bioluminescence) and surgical techniques.   

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

The post-holder is expected:

• To carry out regular phenotyping procedures (after comprehensive training), alone or with other team members, as requested daily. This will include a variety of procedures such as dosing, behavioural phenotyping, imaging, surgical procedures and dissections.
• To check the health and welfare of experimental mouse stocks and address their welfare needs
• To be involved in data analysis and data quality checks
• To work on troubleshooting and on the set-up of new devices and procedures
• To keep online records
• To be responsible for some devices/procedures within the unit and to liaise with other groups or external manufacturers as needed
• To read and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments
• To cover animal husbandry work when necessary, including working weekends on a rota basis

Working Relationships: 

The post-holder will be required to work alone and as part of a team.

Daily interactions are also expected with members of other teams.

They will be line managed by the Phenotyping Manager under the Head of the Phenotyping Core team. Routine interaction with every level of seniority is expected. 

Education/Qualifications/Training Required:

Essential:

• Graduate degree in a scientific subject 

Desirable:

•  Home Office Personal Licence holder

Previous Work Experience Required:

Essential:

• Experience of working in a research environment 

Desirable:

• Experience of in vivo work, or other laboratory-based experience

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

• Good IT literacy is required, as well as the ability to work with data
• Experience in working alone and as part of a team
• Genuine interest in the welfare of animals

Desirable:

• Troubleshooting experience

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:

Essential:

• Positive attitude and the ability to constructively interact with other people at every level of seniority
• Flexibility to adapt to daily changes and the ability to make quick decisions are essential
• Enthusiastic, meticulous and patient 

Desirable:

• Problem solving

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a great place to work and progress your career.  The MRC encourages the integration of clinical and discovery research to elucidate both disease processes and potential new therapies. The MLC provides vital scientific support for the UK biomedical community and focuses on preclinical research using mouse models, which supports clinical research and therapy discovery. 

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

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.