Research Support Officers | Neurobiology | Dr Marco Tripodi | LMB 2532 in Cambridge

Overall purpose: To work within the group of Dr. Marco Tripodi at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), providing research support for work on behavioural, anatomical and electrophysiological studies in rodents. The post-holder will characterise the role of distinct neuronal populations in goal directed behaviours.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

• To assist with research by planning, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments.
• To perform tasks guided by your supervisor including wet laboratory work, purchasing and organising chemicals, ordering of specified equipment, computational tasks and data analysis.
• To present information on research progress and outcomes as appropriate.
• To conduct literature and database searches.
• To contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• To ensure and maintain an efficient and tidy Laboratory.
• To plan and manage your experimental work within the project along with your supervisor and other members of the project team.
• To contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
• To ensure the research is carried in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
• To contribute to the smooth running of the research group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.

Working relationships: You will report to Dr. Marco Tripodi. You will interact and collaborate with Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students, not only in your Group, but also other LMB groups, LMB facilities and with external Groups as necessary.

Person Specification

Education / qualifications / training required:

• Essential: PhD in a biological subject with a track record of published work in the area of neuroscience
• Desirable: Background in a quantitative subject

Previous work experience required:

• Essential:
• Competent, independent bench working skills including safe use of chemicals, preparation of buffers and other reagents, sterile technique, lab safety, and routine analytic calculations.
• Experience or theoretical knowledge of basic wet lab biology skills/techniques including cloning and cell culture.
• Previous experience in the field of neuroscience, particular emphasis on neural circuits analysis.
• Experience with design and analysis of rodent’s behavioural tests.
• Experience with in vivo studies in rodents.
• Experience with stereotaxic injections.
• Desirable:
• Experience in viral design.
• Experience with RNA in situ imaging.
• Experience with electrophysiological or optical methods to record neural activity.
• Holding a valid PIL license.
• Non-LLM-aided programming expertise in Python.

Knowledge and experience:

• Creativity and initiative
• Essential: Ability to plan and carry out experiments, collate and analyse data.
• Understanding of lab health and safety.
• Practical experience of running and maintaining scientific equipment.
• Desirable: Has developed new techniques / methodologies that have added value to scientific work. Experience of molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, genotyping.

Independent working:

• Essential: Proven skills in working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision; good judgment in assessing when to ask for support.
• Can independently advance existing techniques and implement new methods.

Verbal and written communication skills:

• Essential: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in presenting scientific work.
• IT skills, including Word and Excel.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

• Reliability and enthusiasm.
• Strong organisational skills. Methodical and thorough.
• Passion for science and a desire to continue to develop skills and knowledge.
• Proactive in seeking solutions to problems and keen to take responsibility.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Additional information: Applicants are required to submit a full CV and covering letter.

Corporate Responsibilities: You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager. The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI. 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.