Alternatives to Animal Research Scientific Specialist - MLC 2506

at  MRC Harwell

The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) is a national resource for mouse genetics and for use of mouse models in the study of human disease. The MLC has much experience in generating new mouse models, such as those carrying variants represented in human patient groups, and in characterising such models through the use of comprehensive phenotyping platforms and by performing preclinical studies. Moreover, the MLC acts as a central hub for the MRC National Mouse Genetics Network (NMGN), with eight disease-related clusters including those with interests in cancer, congenital disorders and ageing.
The Centre for Macaques (CFM) is also under the management of MRC Harwell and supplies rhesus macaques to UK academic researchers. Both facilities have a continuous commitment to only using animals in research when there is absolutely no alternative. The field of alternative methods (e.g., organoids, microphysiological systems, and the use of artificial intelligence using human data) is progressing very fast and the complexity of other systems (in vitro, in silico etc.) now demands deeper scientific scrutiny.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING REQUIRED:

Essential:

• PhD in Biological Sciences

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Essential:

• Significant scientific experience at a senior level (10-15 years)
• Experience in animal research, logistics and legislation
• Credibility within the senior scientific community
• Leadership in a sensitive field

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Significant scientific skills in animal research including experimental planning
• In-depth scientific knowledge of multiple disciplines
• Knowledge and experience of NAMs and animal research
• Experience in critical analysis of methods and protocols
• Knowledge of the current political and stakeholder opinions
• Expertise in multiple systems (cellular, computing etc.)

PERSONAL SKILLS/BEHAVIOURS/QUALITIES:

Essential:

• Public speaking skills
• Communication skills to disseminate research
• Negotiation skills to champion change and challenge current thinking
• Analytical skills to critique scientific data
• Scientific writing ability

Further Information

MAIN DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This post-holder is responsible for the following:

• Leading on the strategy for alternatives to animal testing for the MLC and more widely for the National Mouse Genetics Network (a major national initiative funded by the MRC)
• Following global trends in replacement technologies, scientifically critiquing new methods, and performing feasibility and logistics exercises
• Forging collaboration between the MLC, the CFM and the NMGN laboratories and centres, and driving forward the development of replacements
• Reviewing and managing the review of animal projects in the context of alternatives to using animals in research
• Co-chairing the Best Model Working Group for the NMGN (this includes at least 20+ members of multi-disciplinary, research teams who discuss the best systems for investigating specific scientific questions in a range of species)
• Publishing commentary and position papers on the introduction and validation of non-animal methods (NAMS) in research relating to the MLC

CORPORATE/LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS:

The post-holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality and Diversity policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection and Security policy

The above lists are not exhaustive, and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.
The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.
In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As “Disability Confident” employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and 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.