Laboratory Technician - MLC 2469

at  Medical Research Council

Open Date
20/08/2024, 09:00
Close Date
01/09/2024, 23:55
Research Institute
MRC Mary Lyon Centre
Research Institute / Unit Information
The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) https://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/ is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org
Band

MRC - 5

Location
Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire
Salary
£29,808 per annum
Contract Type
Permanent
Job Type
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time / Part Time
Full Time
Job Description
We have an open-ended vacancy for a technician to work in the cryopreservation/in vitro fertilisation (IVF) laboratory.
This critical role will support MRC Harwell’s standing as an international centre providing access to mouse resources to an extensive network of UK and overseas clients. The Biological Resources Group (BRG) is responsible for the National Mouse Archive, which currently holds >3,000 mouse stocks, many of which are recognised as unique mouse models of human genetic disease.
The primary function of this role will revolve around the cryopreservation and distribution of mouse models of human disease. In response to specific requests, the post-holder will also be asked to recover mouse strains from the archive using IVF and embryo-transfer techniques.
The ideal candidate will have some understanding of mammalian biology, good communication skills and be computer literate. A large proportion of the work will involve animal handling, so the post-holder will need to display confidence in their abilities in this area, as well as an interest in animal welfare and commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement). Previous experience of assisted reproductive technology would be desirable but this is not essential as comprehensive training will be provided.
During their employment, the post-holder will need to acquire expertise in basic animal husbandry and animal-handling techniques, as well as IVF, sperm/embryo freezing and embryo-transfer recovery techniques. The post-holder will also need to be a team player, customer focused, possess excellent communication skills and have a keen eye for detail. The post would be ideally suited to someone who thrives in a busy, high-throughput environment, and who strives for continuous improvement.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING REQUIRED:

Essential:

• 5 GCSEs at grade C or above

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Genuine interest in animal welfare and commitment to the 3Rs
• Experience of working to SOPs and risk assessments
• Previous experience of working with software packages and databases
• Previous experience of working out-of-hours/flexible working patterns
• Flexible approach to working within various work environments in response to changing client requirements

Desirable:

• Previous experience of dissecting organs/tissues or experience of cell culture systems
• Experience of working with microscopes
• Proven experience of working to ISO 9001 standards or equivalent

MAIN DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working with all groups within the MLC, the post-holder’s principal responsibilities will involve:

• Learning basic animal husbandry techniques and ensuring the health and welfare of animals in their care
• Dissecting mouse tissues and embryo/sperm harvesting
• Cryopreserving embryos, spermatozoa and ovarian tissue
• Setting up and executing in vitro fertilisation sessions
• Performing licenced procedures according to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, amended 2012, such as embryo transfers and superovulation
• Updating archive records
• Following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and working to ISO 9001 standards
• Maintaining the biosecurity of the MLC and the Quarantine Suite
• Assisting with routine laboratory activities, such as media preparation and maintaining levels of consumables
• Working some evenings and weekends on a rota basis

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