Research Technician

About us

The Neural Computation Laboratory (NCL), led by Professors Beverley Clark and Dr Arnd Roth, is part of the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research at UCL. The group’s research focuses on understanding computations in neural circuits during behaviour. We have considerable experience in combining a wide range of techniques, from patch-clamp recordings, two-photon imaging, the use of transgenic mouse lines and genetically encoded calcium sensors, through to electron microscopy for tracing the wiring diagram of the underlying circuits.Please note this post is not eligible for visa sponsorship due to the salary threshold criteria and a current right to work is therefore required.

About the role

This is an excellent opportunity for an applicant already experienced in mouse breeding and management of transgenic colonies to extend their skills in the research environment and contribute to cutting edge research in cellular a nd systems neuroscience. The postholder will manage 10 transgenic mouse lines and will be responsible, as part of a cross-lab team, for operational and practical aspects of running a multi-user serial 2-photon tomography facility (‘Rocksaw’, used for automated serial sectioning and imaging of whole brains). When trained, the postholder will act as trainer to other researchers to operate and troubleshoot ‘Rocksaw’ and will prepare and run samples for projects in the NCL. They will also help revise and oversee standard operating procedures for use of this facility. They will be responsible for preparing and maintaining standard operating procedures for animal work under the current Home Office Licence and will have opportunities to learn animal behavioural training and surgical procedures. They will assist in the day-to-day running of the laboratory; monitoring and maintaining stocks of lab consumables, preparing solutions, and providing support for experim ents being carried out by research staff and PhD students.

About you

The postholder will preferably have experience with mouse breeding, genotyping and troubleshooting including complex triple transgenic strains and hold a Home Office Personal Licence to work with rodents. In addition, the post-holder is expected to have experience in histological methods, microscopy and imaging, and in molecular biology techniques such as DNA extractions and PCR. The successful candidate will be well organised, and able to work effectively with other people as well as taking the initiative for their own independent work. They must be willing to learn a variety of practical techniques as required to support the scientific projects within the research group.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: • 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closu re days) • Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) and much more staff benefits.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’sworkforce.

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