Research Technician

About us

This is an exciting opportunity to join an international team of researchers on an ERC UK Horizon Europe Guarantee-funded project that will explore how natural selection shapes the evolution of memory, led by Professor Elli Leadbeater. The research technician will be based at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, and the role will sit within both the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research and the Centre for Life’s Origins and Evolution.

About the role

The main purpose of the role will be to provide technical support for experimental evolution projects aiming to understand the evolution of long term memory in the fruit fly. This will include management and maintenance of fruit fly lines, behavioural assays, and husbandry. The research technician will work under the supervision of a postdoctoral research assistant and the PI, but will be expected to work independently and provide input into the design and execution of experiments. The role holder will provide technical support and research related activities by assisting with lab organization, experimental procedures and analysis of results. They will have specialized knowledge relevant for the project’s research area. They will work closely with other users of the facility, liaising with them to cover husbandry tasks and to maintain the day-to-day functioning of the laboratory. They will also play a key role within the team in terms of implementing laboratory safety and s ustainability requirements, and be enthusiastic about attending research meetings and providing input into experimental design where appropriate.

This role has funding for three years from the date of employment. The start date is flexible but should be before September 2025.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Professor Elli Leadbeater.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR team stating the advert reference in the subject line.

Closing Date: 14/07/2025 – 23:59 (UK time)

About you

You must hold either a degree qualification or an HND qualification at level 5, in a relevant area. Relevant experience of working with and breeding insect models in a research environment is essential, and previous experience with Drosophila and/or other insect breeding protocols would be a significant advantage. An ability to follow instructions meticulously, recognising problems when they arise and proposing solutions is essential.

You will be enthusiastic about working with a diverse range of researchers, willing to participate in outreach and communication-based events, and be a collegiate member of the project team. The ability to keep meticulous records of lab work and well-annotated computer code is crucial to the smooth running of this project. Strong project management skills will be essential to the punctual delivery and reporting of project milestones. The role may sometimes, but not regularly, involve out-of-hours working and responding to unforeseen circumstances that compromise insect welfare, as is the nature of working with live animals.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits. Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Customer advert reference: B02-08990

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