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The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org
The role
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.
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.
Education, qualifications and 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 and behaviour 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.
