Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the National Mouse Archive and manage biological resource exchanges.
- Company: Join the Medical Research Council, a leader in genetics research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic team at an innovative science campus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human disease research while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in Biological Sciences and experience in reproductive biology required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52000 £ per year.
The Mary Lyon Centre at the Medical Research Council Harwell (MLC) is recruiting a senior biologist for one of its archiving/distribution services. The successful candidate will work within the Biological Resources Group (BRG) and in close collaboration with the other core services. Their responsibilities will span the assisted reproduction laboratory and the import/export team.
The post-holder will be required to take the lead in maintaining the integrity of the National Mouse Archive based at the MLC, as well as managing and expanding the exchange of biological resources, both within the UK and internationally. The post-holder would be the main point of contact between researchers and technicians, and will advise on the requirements for, and organise the logistics of, the exchange of live mice and/or biological materials collected from genetically altered mouse models. They will also provide leadership in the assisted reproduction services offered by the MLC and drive technical developments to improve efficiencies.
This post requires a strong scientific background, including experience in high-throughput project management, as well as good knowledge of reproductive biology and use of genetically altered mouse models. All relevant work will be carried out under Home Office regulations (The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, amended 2012 (ASPA)) and in accordance with International Air Transport Association rules. An understanding of gene structure and expertise in standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, sequencing) are essential. Previous experience in the generation of genetically altered models (in vitro or in vivo) would also be desirable.
Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:- Maintain the integrity of the resources held within the National Mouse Archive
- Liaise with researchers wishing to exchange biological resources, including requirement gathering, advising on the best course of action, checking relevant licensing, and detailed planning of import/export itineraries
- Delivery and completion of project plans, communicating between teams to ensure that all work is carried out on time and to the correct standards
- Lead the technical development programme
- Provide leadership and strategy for the assisted reproductive service
- Ensure compliance with ISO9001 for all projects within the post-holder’s area of responsibility
- Keep up to date with advances in the 3Rs
- Project licence holder, covering the BRG’s service work
- Design and deliver training courses as part of the Advance Training Centre at Harwell, specialising in best practice for the exchange of biological resources
- Maintain the integrity of the > 2,500 publicly available strains held in the National Mouse Archive
The post-holder will work under the direction of the Head of Biological Resources at the MLC but will have significant autonomy to manage individual projects and team members. The post-holder will interface with the senior team of the Mary Lyon Centre, including the Director and Heads of Departments, to deliver key programmes and services. The post-holder will liaise with external researchers to discuss how projects are progressing and advise on the best course of action. Significant cross-team communication will be required within the MLC, including with the husbandry, phenotyping, gene delivery and molecular biology teams to ensure efficient delivery of projects.
Additional Information:Outside of the MLC, the post-holder will also be expected to maintain good working relationships with the European Mouse Mutant Archive’s (EMMA) project office and ensure that information describing publicly available mouse strains presented on the Harwell and EMMA websites is accurate and up to date.
Person SpecificationEducation/Qualifications/Training Required:- Essential: PhD and further experience in Biological Sciences, or equivalent, involving the use of reproductive biology and molecular techniques
- Understanding of gene structure/function
- Desirable: Home Office personal licence (PIL)
- Essential: Post-doctoral or equivalent position managing a research project and/or biological resources
- Desirable: Experience with the international exchange of biological materials
- Evidence of quality and customer-focused work
- Experience in surgical procedures or dissections
- Essential: Genuine interest in the welfare of animals
- Experience in working under ASPA
- Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results
- Experience in handling licensing agreements/contracts
- Desirable: Knowledge of complex genetic alterations, conditional systems, CRISPR/Cas9
- Previous line management experience
- Essential: Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work autonomously and make decisions
- Good team player with ability to work across multiple teams
- Self-motivated and positive influence on other team members
- Desirable: A customer-focused approach to service delivery
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a variety of scientists at all levels (from principal investigator to research assistants and animal technicians)
Deputy Manager, Genetics and Biological Resources employer: Medical Research Council
Contact Detail:
Medical Research Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager, Genetics and Biological Resources
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in genetics and reproductive biology. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience with biological resources and genetic models. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects, particularly those involving high-throughput techniques or international collaborations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of compliance and regulatory frameworks, such as ASPA and ISO9001. Being knowledgeable about these regulations will demonstrate your commitment to ethical practices in research.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager, Genetics and Biological Resources
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in biological sciences, particularly in reproductive biology and molecular techniques. Emphasise any project management roles you've held, especially those involving biological resources.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your genuine interest in the role and the Medical Research Council. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of maintaining the National Mouse Archive and leading assisted reproduction services.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to gene structure/function, high-throughput project management, and compliance with regulations like ASPA. Mention any experience with international exchanges of biological materials.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medical Research Council
✨Showcase Your Scientific Expertise
Make sure to highlight your strong scientific background, especially in reproductive biology and molecular techniques. Be prepared to discuss your experience with genetically altered mouse models and any relevant projects you've managed.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Since the role involves high-throughput project management, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully delivered project plans in the past. Discuss your ability to communicate effectively between teams to ensure timely completion of tasks.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulations
Familiarise yourself with Home Office regulations and ISO9001 compliance, as these are crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you have ensured compliance in previous positions and your understanding of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
The position requires significant cross-team communication, so think about examples that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively. Be ready to explain how you've liaised with different teams or external researchers to achieve project goals.