At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage mouse colonies and support exciting research projects in immunology.
- Company: Join UCL's Institute of Infection, Immunity and Transplantation, a top research centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, pension scheme, and on-site gym access.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in groundbreaking research while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in biomedical subject and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31504 - 40000 £ per year.
We are offering a part-time (50% FTE) position of a Research Technician in the laboratory of Professor Pavel Tolar at UCL's Institute of Infection, Immunity and Transplantation (IIT). The post will be based in the new Pears Building at the Royal Free Hospital campus. The position is available immediately.
The Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (IIT) is a world leading centre of excellence for research into the immune system and for improving disease diagnosis and therapy. Located in the brand new Pears building, the IIT offers outstanding research facilities for mechanistic immunology, including modern laboratory space, state of the art flow cytometry, imaging and sequencing platforms, and animal units at the Royal Free campus. UCL provides an environment that consistently ranks amongst the top research universities in the world.
The IIT also holds a Silver Award for the Athena Swan Charter, which recognises the advancement of gender equality and promotes representation, progression and success for all, and works to a high sustainability and efficiency standard as demonstrated by the Gold LEAF award.
The Tolar lab focuses on B cell immunology. Our central questions are how foreign antigens activate B cells to produce antibodies that protect from pathogens and why this activation sometimes causes disease, such as autoimmunity, allergy or lymphoma. We are using a variety of novel approaches ranging from molecular biophysics to animal models and analysis of patient data.
The successful candidate will oversee the breeding and management of mouse colonies, including genotyping as well as manage home office regulatory and ethical requirements involving animal research in the lab. The post holder will support the basic operation of the Tolar lab, assist lab members with research projects and oversee the administration of animal experiments. The post holder will order and maintain lab stocks of materials and reagents. They will also support lab operations, such as autoclaving and glass washing. The post holder will assist other lab members with a research project under the guidance of Professor Tolar and other lab members. The position is funded for one year in the first instance, with further extension possible.
About you
Applicants should be highly motivated and enthusiastic about lab research, have a degree in a biomedical subject and possess excellent communication and organisational skills. Experience with animal experiments, tissue culture, molecular biology and flow cytometry is desirable.
What we offer
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
Research Technician (Tolar Lab) employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician (Tolar Lab)
✨Tap into Your Uni's Resources
Universities are often at the forefront of biotech research, so don’t forget to use your career services to find part-time opportunities. Many labs look for students to assist with research and that’s a great way to get your foot in the door!
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Join local biotech meetups and online forums like Biotech Connection or the Biotech Hub. These communities can not only keep you updated on new opportunities but also help you make valuable connections in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Lab Skills
If you've worked on any relevant projects or research, create a simple portfolio that highlights your lab skills and findings. This is especially important for part-time roles in biotechnology, as employers want to see what you can bring to their team.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
Many biotech firms, including places like UK Dementia Research Institute, often list part-time positions directly on their websites. Don’t hesitate to check these sites regularly and apply early—opportunities can fill up quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician (Tolar Lab)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In biotechnology, lab skills are crucial. Highlight any relevant coursework, laboratory experience, or techniques you’ve mastered in your CV. If you have specific certifications, make sure to include those too—they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV to Biotech Buzzwords:Use industry-specific terms and buzzwords that resonate with biotechnology. We want to see evidence of your familiarity with concepts like CRISPR, bioinformatics, or genetic engineering. Tailoring your CV this way can catch the eye of hiring managers at UK Dementia Research Institute.
Express Your Passion in the Cover Letter:Since this is a part-time gig, inject enthusiasm into your cover letter! Talk about why you’re keen to work in biotechnology and what you hope to learn from your time at UK Dementia Research Institute. This is your chance to show your motivation and eagerness to grow in the field!
Keep it Concise but Impactful:Part-time positions often attract many applicants, so make every word count! Keep your CV to a couple of pages max, focusing on key experiences and skills that align with the job. Remember, less is more—quality over quantity!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Understanding the Science
Make sure you’re up-to-speed with the latest trends in biotechnology. Brush up on the key concepts and jargon in the field, as you'll likely face questions that assess your understanding of processes like gene editing or CRISPR technology. Showing genuine interest and knowledge will make us stand out at the interview with UK Dementia Research Institute.
✨Showcase Your Laboratory Skills
For a part-time role, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in lab settings. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques or tools you’ve used, whether it's PCR, gel electrophoresis, or bioinformatics software. If you've got examples from internships or university projects, bring them to the table to demonstrate your practical abilities.
✨Flexibility and Commitment
In a part-time role, being adaptable is key. Employers want to see that you're not only available at specific times but also willing to take on diverse tasks. Be ready to discuss your availability and how you can contribute to various projects at UK Dementia Research Institute without compromising your studies or other commitments.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions that may involve problem-solving scenarios relevant to biotechnology. Practise articulating how you would approach challenges or interpret data related to biological experiments. We should also consider being proactive and thinking about the implications of biotechnological advancements, as these discussions can really impress the interviewers.
