Laboratory Technician – Media Preparation at UCL
Ref Number: B02-07796
Professional Expertise: Laboratory Technical and Lab Support
Department: School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Available for Secondment: No
Closing Date: 05-Nov-2024
About us: The UCL Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment (GEE) is part of the Division of Biosciences and the Faculty of Life Sciences. GEE traces its origins to the Department of Comparative Anatomy founded in 1826 and incorporates previous Departments of Biology, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology and the Galton Laboratory, the first Department of Genetics in the UK. GEE continues to be world-leading in the study of Evolutionary Biology, Human Genetics, Healthy Ageing and Biodiversity research, with over 40 research groups and some 200 Post-Docs, PhD Students and support staff. The GEE Fly Media Preparation Facility (FMPF) provides a robust reliable service for one of the largest Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) research facilities in the UK. The facility primarily supports research groups belonging to UCL Centre for Life’s Origins and Evolution (CLOE) and the Institute of Healthy Ageing (IHA). The CLOE research groups use Drosophila to investigate evolutionary genetics, exploring sexual antagonism, metabolism and mitochondrial disease. Research groups from the IHA study the fundamental mechanisms of ageing, and the underlying causes of diseases of ageing, to find new routes to develop preventative therapies. We hope to expand the service provided by the facility, to support groups working with other model organisms such as C. elegans and yeast.
About the role: This is an exciting opportunity to join the GEE Department and work closely with the multi-user Fly Media Preparation Facility. This post will deliver high quality technical provision, media preparation and administrative support. The post-holder will be responsible for providing a consistent and reliable service, producing large volumes of nutrient-rich fly food media and processing the required glassware. Continuation of essential Drosophila melanogaster research strongly relies on the dependable service this individual will provide. To deliver this, the individual must be reliable, adaptable and have excellent problem solving and organisational skills. Please note: this position requires regular manual handling tasks, including the lifting, moving, and carrying of materials as part of the daily duties.
Main duties and responsibilities include:
1. To be the key technician ensuring the smooth running of the Fly Media Preparation Facility.
2. To accurately follow specific recipes to fulfil orders of essential media, in large volumes (up to 45 L).
3. To manage demand and ensure all media orders are completed in a timely manner.
4. To monitor resource usage and maintain supplies of key ingredients and consumables.
5. To be responsible for processing large amounts of glassware and fly media culture waste.
You will be a key member of the GEE Core Technical Team and therefore will help with the daily running of the GEE laboratory spaces, by performing general laboratory duties and assisting researchers with technical duties, as required. We will consider applications to work on a job share basis wherever possible. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit UCL Terms and Conditions for more information. A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Beth Wallis (beth.wallis@ucl.ac.uk). 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 Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk.
About you: Ideally you will have an A-level in biology, or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject; previous experience working in a technical role would be an advantage. You will be a motivated, organised and reliable person, who thrives in a dynamic team. The candidate will understand the importance of research and how their work impacts the continuation of critical experiments. To deliver this highly consistent service, the post holder will be adaptable, quick to assimilate information and have good problem-solving skills. An excellent eye for details, organisational skills and the ability to communicate effectively are also essential.
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 closure days)
* Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
* Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
* Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
* Immigration loan and expenses
* Relocation scheme for certain posts
* On-Site nursery
* On-site gym
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
* Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
* Discounted medical insurance
Visit UCL Rewards and Benefits to find out more.
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’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here.
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