View Vacancy -- Research Assistant - MLC 2120

Open Date
28/03/2023, 12:30
Close Date
12/04/2023, 23:55
MRC Mary Lyon Centre

The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) https://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/ 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. 

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.  

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.

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
£25,798–£27,501 per annum (depending on experience)
Permanent
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time

Overall purpose: 

The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) requires a Research Assistant to provide technical support in a busy Genotyping Core facility. The successful candidate will work within the Genotyping group and in close collaboration with the Molecular and Cellular Biology team. The successful candidate’s activity will span a broad range of molecular biology techniques. 

The available post is based within established laboratories involved in the genotyping and quality control of mouse colonies held at the MLC. The group uses a range of molecular biology techniques for genotyping the broad diversity of alleles held at the MLC, including complex colonies that harbour several genetic alterations in combination. The post-holder will implement a range of molecular protocols (preparation of DNA, PCR, qPCR, DNA sequencing analysis and pyrosequencing) in a fast-paced environment with a strong customer focus. Their work in this high-throughput laboratory will involve both manual and automated handling of reagents/samples. 

Previous experience of qPCR and working in an ISO9001:2015 environment will be an advantage, but not essential as training can be provided.

Main duties / key responsibilities: 

  • Characterisation of genotypes and quality control of genetically modified materials, employing PCR-based techniques and sequencing. Genotyping of mouse biopsies obtained from a large variety of genetically altered colonies. Validation of the genetic background of mice held at the MLC. Sample management and communication of results internally and to stakeholders. 
  • Other general duties required are to ensure the smooth running of a Molecular Biology laboratory; e.g., ordering reagents – such tasks will be shared with the rest of the team. 

Working relationships: 

  • The post-holder will work as part of a team with the other Genotyping team members, processing samples/tasks as directed by the Head of Genotyping. 
  • The post-holder will work with a range of technical support staff, including highly trained post-doctoral technologists, to produce molecular biology work for the Genotyping service of the MLC. 

Additional information: 

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

Interviews are expected to be held on 27th April and the morning of 28th April.

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.

Education/Qualifications/Training Required: 

Essential: 

BSc in Biological Sciences or related subject. Understanding of basic techniques (PCR, qPCR, ddPCR). 

Desirable: 

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 PCR, qPCR, ddPCR.  Evidence of quality and customer-focused work.

Knowledge and Experience: 

Essential: 

Experience in basic techniques of molecular biology; e.g., PCR, cloning, DNA sequence analysis.

Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results.

An understanding of genetic modification in laboratory animals. 

Desirable: 

Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience of process analysis and refinement.

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities: 

Essential: 

Organised and hard-working with precision and a strong eye for detail, and 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).

The advertisement may be closed prior to the original closing date in the event of a sufficient number of applications. 

The post-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.

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.