Microinjectionist/Research Assistant Oxfordshire 2023

We have an open-ended vacancy for a microinjection specialist in the Gene Delivery team at the Mary Lyon Centre (MLC). The facility is currently composed of one modern laboratory with four fully functional microinjection stations. The Gene Delivery group comprises the laboratory manager and three research assistants. This dedicated team is a service team and is responsible for the production of custom mouse models involving a range of technologies including the use of embryonic stem cells and CRISPR/CAS9 genome editing. The laboratory works in very close collaboration with the molecular biology team and animal-care staff to guarantee the smooth provision of services.

The role

The Mary Lyon Centre specialises in developing and characterising mouse models of human disease. Within this context, the Gene Delivery team has responsibility for generating novel genetically altered mouse strains for the UK biomedical community. This service is vital to the research of the Mary Lyon Centre and also offers services to the national programmes of Genome Editing Mice for Medicine (GEMM) and the National Mouse Genetic Network (NMGN).

It is expected that the candidate will have an interest in genetics and/or biomedical research and will be keen to learn and develop related techniques (mouse embryo manipulation and embryo transfer). The post-holder will need to have an understanding of mammalian biology, laboratory experience, excellent attention to detail, an understanding of quality management systems, excellent communication skills and should be a keen team player.

The post-holder will report directly to the Gene Delivery laboratory manager and will work closely with all staff at the Mary Lyon Centre.

We encourage the candidate to have researched the microinjectionist role and to have a genuine interest in the work of the MLC. The candidate will be required to give a 10 minute presentation on their previous work experience and their understanding of the microinjectionist job role at the first-round interview.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

• Pronuclear and cytoplasmic microinjection of preimplantation embryos
• Embryonic stem cell injection into blastocysts
• Electroporation of embryos
• Embryo harvesting and culturing of preimplantation embryos at the relevant developmental stages
• Cryopreservation and reanimation of preimplantation embryos
• In vitro fertilisation techniques
• Embryo culture media and solution preparation
• Precise glass pipette preparation
• Small-animal surgery, including the use of anaesthetics for embryo transfers
• Extensive use of inverted and stereo microscopes
• General laboratory duties required to keep the laboratory clean and well stocked
• Maintain an accurate record of all activities
• Provide training in gene delivery techniques at training courses
• Support the work of the MLC and other groups within the unit when needed

The post-holder will be responsible for generating novel genetically altered mouse strains via embryo manipulation and embryo transfer, ensuring accurate application of associated techniques.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain an Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) Home Office licence after appropriate training in order to carry out microinjection and small-animal surgeries (PIL A, B and C).

This role involves extensive daily microscope work; the candidate will be expected to be able to work at microscopes for a large portion of their day.

The post-holder will be required to work according to standard operating procedures, risk assessments and under ISO9001 conditions. Extensive training will be provided on all techniques for this important role.

Working Relationships:

The post-holder will report to the Gene Delivery laboratory manager and will work closely with staff from the Molecular Biology laboratory and the MLC animal-care staff to ensure the timely delivery of mouse production services.

Education/Qualifications/Training Required

Essential:

• A levels or equivalent in science subject(s)
• Background in Genetics or Biology or Biomedical science 

Desirable:

• HNC in Biological Sciences or IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology
• PIL A, B and C
• ASPA Home Office licence
• Scientific registration

Previous Work Experience Required

 Essential:

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment, including working to standard operating procedures and risk assessments
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-throughput service role
• Experience of working in an animal research environment
• Previous significant use of microscopes
• Proven track record in maintaining accurate and complete records

 Desirable:

• Dissection and harvesting of preimplantation embryos
• Embryo microinjection
• Mouse animal technology and husbandry experience
• Experience of surgery and/or anaesthesia induction and maintenance
• Experience of working with laboratory animals

Knowledge and Experience

 Essential:

• A general understanding of mammalian biology, reproduction and embryology
• Basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics
• Genuine interest in the welfare of animals
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use digital record-keeping systems and common software packages, such as Excel
• The ability to work independently and use initiative to resolve problems
• The ability to prioritise tasks efficiently and be self-motivated to meet group targets

 Desirable:

• Knowledge of ISO9001
• Ability to work proactively
• Ability to deliver projects on time and work to tight deadlines within a busy environment

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities

 Essential:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written)
• Good time management skills in approaching challenging workloads
• Stamina and patience is critical for the microinjectionist role
• Commitment to providing good customer service
• The ability to take instruction and carry out tasks under scrutiny
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work as part of a team fostering good team relationships or autonomously when required
• Self-motivated and a positive influence on other team members 

Desirable:

• Ability to deal with a wide range of people from different disciplines and at various levels in an organisation

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.