research technician London, England
Job description
The LMS is an Institute funded by the MRC and is a Division of the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College. Based on the Hammersmith Hospital Campus in West London (W12), the LMS has first class facilities and provides investigators from clinical and basic science backgrounds with the opportunity to pursue innovative, multidisciplinary research within the established clinical base of Imperial College.
For more information, visit www.lms.mrc.ac.uk.
Overall purpose:
The overarching goal of the group is to define new biology, identify biomarkers and drug targets, and to translate scientific tools developed in the laboratory for patient benefit. We combine physiology, metabolism and cell biology to investigate mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease with a particular focus on the role of interleukin 11 (IL11).
The post holder will investigate molecular mechanisms using a range of in vivo and in vitro approaches systems. Experiments will focus on the cellular biology of cardiovascular cells and on the physiology and metabolism in the heart.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
- To support animal colony maintenance and genotyping within the group
- Development and application of laboratory capabilities in molecular and cellular biology and high throughput phenotyping
- Routine molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR, QPCR, Western blotting)
- Contribute to the research effort of the team using the above approaches
- Take an active part in the academic activities of the group including participating in meetings, journal clubs, training and organisational aspects
Working relationships:
The post-holder will work closely with more senior staff in the group and report directly to the head of the Group, Prof Stuart Cook.
Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):
Essential:
- BSc qualification (or equivalent) in molecular or cellular biology
Desirable:
- MSc or MRes in molecular or cellular biology in the cardiovascular science or a related discipline
- Possesion of a Personal Home Office Animal License
Previous work experience required (will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential:
- Experience working with laboratory animals
- Experience with one or more of: molecular biology, cell biology, histology and the use of primary cells
- Background in tissue collection and process for molecular biology techniques
- Basic skills in protein and RNA detection and/or cell biology
Desirable:
- Experience working with transgenic mice
- Experience in colony maintenance and genotyping
- Understanding of cardiovascular disease
Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential:
- Knowledge and understanding of animal physiology and/or metabolism
- Knowledge of molecular and cellular biology
- Experience with using model systems
- Evidence of understanding of cardiovascular physiology and disease
- Good written communication skills in English
Desirable:
- Keen interest in developing skills and experimental methods and cardiac physiology
- Knowledge of of statistics in molecular biology and physiology
Personal skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at interview):
Essential:
- High level of motivation and drive
- Evidence of ability to organise and conduct complex research projects
- Good verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work effectively with researchers from different fields (computer scientists to experimental biologists) ranging from postgraduate students to professorial level
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Ability and eagerness to learn new concepts and acquire new skills in biology quickly, and to seek novel and creative solutions to scientific problems
- Willingness to share knowledge and skills with other members of the group on a daily basis.
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. 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.
