Overview
We have an opportunity for a Phenotyping Technician to join our Phenotyping Core Team in the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC), working across several different research projects to provide high-quality technical procedures and research data. Our team provides a wide range of phenotyping services in collaboration with other wards and teams inside the facility. We work with classical phenotyping devices that monitor behavioural changes in mice (areas such as metabolism, anxiety, memory, locomotion, and social interaction) and with advanced procedures including electrophysiology (electroencephalography, electromyography and electroretinography), in vivo imaging (ultrasound, X-ray, in vivo fluorescence and bioluminescence) and surgical techniques.
Responsibilities
* Carry out regular phenotyping procedures (after comprehensive training), alone or with other team members, as requested daily. This includes dosing, behavioural phenotyping, imaging, surgical procedures and dissections.
* Check the health and welfare of experimental mouse stocks and address their welfare needs.
* Be involved in data analysis and data quality checks.
* Work on troubleshooting and on the set-up of new devices and procedures.
* Keep online records.
* Be responsible for some devices/procedures within the unit and liaise with other groups or external manufacturers as needed.
* Read and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments.
* Cover animal husbandry work when necessary, including working weekends on a rota basis.
Working Relationships
The post-holder will be required to work alone and as part of a team. Daily interactions are also expected with members of other teams. They will be line managed by the Phenotyping Manager under the Head of the Phenotyping Core team. Routine interaction with every level of seniority is expected.
Qualifications
* Graduate degree in a scientific subject (Essential).
* Desirable: Home Office Personal Licence holder.
Previous Work Experience
* Essential: Experience of working in a research environment.
* Desirable: Experience of in vivo work, or other laboratory-based experience. Good IT literacy and the ability to work with data.
* Experience in working alone and as part of a team.
* Genuine interest in the welfare of animals.
* Desirable: Troubleshooting experience; positive attitude and the ability to interact constructively with people at every level of seniority.
* Desirable: Flexibility to adapt to daily changes and the ability to make quick decisions.
* Enthusiastic, meticulous and patient.
Desirable Personal Qualities
* Problem solving.
About the Centre
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. It supports a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate understanding of human diseases, including cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration. The MRC provides opportunities to integrate clinical and discovery research to elucidate disease processes and potential therapies. The MLC supports preclinical research using mouse models, underpinning clinical research and therapy discovery.
Equality & Diversity
The MRC values diverse skills and experiences and is committed to equal opportunities for all. The organisation promotes equality and diversity leadership and management to enable excellence in scientific research.
Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements
The post-holder must at all times carry out responsibilities with due regard to the MRC's policies on Code of Conduct, Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and Data Protection and Security. The above lists are not exhaustive and duties may be reasonably requested within the scope of the post. All employees are expected to act professionally and flexibly. The MRC is a unique working environment with opportunities for training and development, including professional registration with the Science Council. We offer a benefits package including a defined benefit pension, holiday entitlement, family-friendly policies, shopping/travel discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, Health and Wellbeing support, and a salary sacrifice cycle-to-work scheme.
Equity & Accessibility
UKRI supports research in areas including animal health, agriculture and bioscience. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee to interview all applicants who disclose a disability and meet the minimum criteria. A full pre-employment check, including security screening, will be conducted for all offers of employment. UKRI reserves the right to conduct or re-run security clearance as required during employment.
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