UK DRI Research Technician

About us:  

We are a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of 850 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, with laboratory-based research groups located at University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, Imperial College London, and King’s College London.

Researchers at the UK DRI at King’s use innovative approaches to explore the biological mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Their goal is to defeat dementia by uncovering vital new knowledge that will lead to the design of smarter diagnostics and effective treatments. The team aim to understand the fundamental biological processes involved in dementia at a molecular level – and to use that knowledge to design new ways to diagnose and treat disease more precisely. 

About the role: 

Dr Jacqueline Mitchell and Prof Marc-David Ruepp are seeking an enthusiastic and organised Research Technician to work on a project to identify the molecular determinants of FUS toxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) utilising transgenic mouse models.

This position will require excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, as well as a willingness to undertake occasional weekend and Bank Holiday work where required for the maintenance of mouse colonies.

You will be a reliable and motivated technician with a strong interest in supporting research into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease.

The Mitchell and Ruepp groups work collaboratively to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying ALS and related neurodegenerative disorders. You will join a multidisciplinary research environment at the Denmark Hill Campus with a key role in:

• Maintaining and managing transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning and accurate colony record keeping
• Planning breeding strategies to ensure the timely availability of animals required for experimental studies
• Performing mouse genotyping and analysis of results
• Undertaking routine monitoring and care of mouse colonies and performing licensed procedures as appropriate
• Supporting experimental studies using transgenic mouse models, including tissue collection and processing
• Preparing and sectioning tissues for histological analysis
• Performing immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining
• Imaging-stained tissues using slide-scanning and confocal microscopy
• Undertaking routine image analysis using appropriate analytical software
• Maintaining accurate experimental and laboratory records
• Ensuring that work is carried out in accordance with relevant health and safety, animal welfare and regulatory requirements
• Being available and willing to work occasional weekends and Bank Holidays where required for essential mouse-colony duties

This post is offered on a part-time or full-time basis (26.25–35 hours per week) on a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of extension subject to further funding. 

About you: 

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:  

Essential criteria  

• Hands-on experience working with laboratory mice.
• Demonstrable experience in experimental planning and accurate record keeping.
• Practical skills in working in a laboratory environment.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.

Desirable criteria

• A current or previous UK Home Office Personal License for work with mice.
• Experience in collection, dissection and processing of mouse tissues.
• Experience in mouse handling, routine procedures, and colony management.
• A degree in a relevant or related biomedical science

Demonstratable experience of independently managing multiple genetically modified mouse colonies, including breeding strategy and colony planning, weaning, and genotyping

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