Research Assistant in Harwell

The Mary Lyon Centre at the Medical Research Council Harwell (MLC) is recruiting a Research Assistant in Cellular Biology and Embryology to join our expanding team of cell culture biologists to provide technical support for dissection of mouse tissues and staged embryos for the purpose of gene and transgene expression analysis. The successful candidate will work within the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) group. Their activity will span a range of molecular biology and cell culture techniques.

This position is based within a long-established laboratory tasked with the generation and validation of embryonic stem (ES), organoid and immortalised cell lines, as well as embryo phenotyping. Cell culture is used to either generate genetically defined mouse lines or challenge human-relevant disease models at the Mary Lyon Centre. Mouse embryos and adult tissues are used for the functional analysis of genetic alterations. The post-holder will gain highly coveted expertise in cell culture and will be taught to implement a range of embryo phenotyping techniques in a fast-paced environment with a strong team focus. This represents a unique opportunity to acquire a strong practical knowledge base in a broad range of highly desirable transgenic biology skills in a group recognised for its expertise and the quality of its output, or to make use of an existing skillset in a thriving environment. Additional training in a range of soft skills will be provided. Emphasis on particular techniques will vary according to service demand. Previous experience in embryo handling or mouse tissue dissection is desirable.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

• The culture of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, immortalised cell lines, ES cells and organoid lines
• Use of various electroporation techniques to develop novel ES cell lines with known genetic modifications and the quality control of those lines
• Preparation of ES cells and organoid cell lines for micro-injection to generate mouse models
• Extraction of mouse tissues, genotyping and gene expression studies
• Sample management and communication of results internally
• Other general duties required are to ensure the smooth running of a cellular biology laboratory, such as ordering reagents and other tasks that are shared with the rest of the team.

Working Relationships:

Working as part of a team with the other cell culture and embryology team members. This includes developing ES cell and organoid lines and dissection of mouse tissues and staged embryos as directed by the cell culture laboratory manager. Working with a range of technical support staff, including highly trained post-doctoral technologists, to produce cellular and embryology-based work for the molecular and cellular biology group.

Additional Information:

Some flexible work patterns and paid weekend work may be required at the discretion of the supervisor and as part of a team rota.

Person Specification:

Education/Qualifications/Training Required:

• Essential: BSc in Biological Sciences or in a related subject; Basic knowledge of mouse anatomy
• Desirable: Understanding of genome engineering techniques (gene targeting, CRISPR-based tools); Holder of a Home Office Personal Licence

Previous Work Experience Required:

• Essential: Experience of working in a laboratory; Some initial experience in basic techniques of molecular biology e.g. PCR, cloning, or qPCR
• Desirable: Previous work with genetically modified materials/animals/embryos; Evidence of quality focused work

Knowledge and Experience:

• Essential: Understanding of basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR); Understanding of basic cell culture techniques (media preparation, sterile conditions); Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results; Experience of work in sterile conditions
• Desirable: An understanding of genetic modification in laboratory animals; Basic understanding/use of standard imaging techniques; Some experience of gene expression analysis, histology techniques or microscopy

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:

• Essential: Organised and hard-working, with precision and a strong eye for detail; Able to work well as part of a team, as well as independently; Good communication skills, both written and verbal

We welcome candidates with a background in animal or human biology or related life sciences. Candidates with solely plant biology or microbiology backgrounds need not apply.

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.

The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.

In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and 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.