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We are seeking to appoint two Research Technicians to join a project that aims to build and improve gene drive systems, based on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 expressed in the germline of the mosquito vectors of malaria, with the ultimate goal of malaria control by decreasing the reproductive potential of mosquito populations. The Crisanti laboratory has already achieved notable successes in recent years, and it is at the forefront in mosquito transgenesis, genome editing and gene drive.

You will help a large team of postdoc researchers and other technicians within the Crisanti group at Imperial College that form part of a larger, multi-disciplinary research consortium called Target Malaria. The project is aimed at designing, building and testing novel gene drives through the incorporation of three components: nucleases with improved activity; rational choice of new genetic targets to be affected by the gene drive; modulating and regulating gene drive expression in time and space. The Crisanti laboratory has already achieved notable successes in recent years, and it is at the forefront in mosquito transgenesis, genome editing and gene drive.

Duties and responsibilities

You will interact on a daily basis with members of the group and assist in designing and performing laboratory experiments applied to the generation and molecular analysis of modified mosquitoes, including learning embryo microinjection and genetic crossing experiments. You will also assist in the performance of molecular diagnostic assays, fertility experiments and caged population experiments.

Your duties will also include assisting in the smooth running and regulatory compliance of the two insectary facilities used by the group, including acting as a caretaker of wild type (on a rota basis to be shared with other technicians in the group) and transgenic mosquito strains, ensuring that mosquito colonies and samples are healthy and available to researchers in the group. Regular support to phenotype assays and to high standards of insectary maintenance is expected.

Essential requirements

You must have a Bachelor Degree or equivalent vocational qualification in a biological sciences subject, plus work experience in a relevant technical/scientific roles exhibiting good knowledge of molecular biology techniques and practical methods including RNA extraction, reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, blotting and probing, electrophoresis, PCR, qPCR, molecule blotting and probing, CRISPR/Cas9, site-specific mutagenesis, bacteria and cell-lines transfection. Previous experience of working with insects is essential. Basic experience of bioinformatics tools and knowledge of mosquitoes rearing and maintenance are not essential requirements for this post, though highly desirable.

Good verbal and written communication skills, accurate record keeping skills and the ability to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines tight deadlines with little supervision are essential. You must be computer literate and a highly motivated, individual with demonstrable ability to learn. You are expected to be able to work in a collaborative manner, be open-minded with a positive approach to develop and apply new concepts, as well as to problem solving. The project may require occasional travel to other collaborating sites within Europe and flexible working hours.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term position available until 31 May 2024. You will be based at South Kensington Campus.

Candidates need to complete an online application.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Andrea Crisanti (via [email protected]) or Dr. Carla Siniscalchi ([email protected])

Documents

• Job Description Research Technician.pdf