View Vacancy Research Technician LMS 2586 Open Date 24/03/2025, 10:30 Close Date 06/04/2025, 23:55 Research Institute MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum salary criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y Research Institute / Unit Information The LMS is a world-class research laboratory where scientists and clinicians collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. Funded by the MRC as part of UK Research and Innovation, the LMS has a collaborative working culture and new state-of-the-art building based in the heart of West London in the Hammersmith Hospital Campus (W12). The LMS aims to deliver transdisciplinary team science, in synergistic interaction with Imperial College and the wider national research environment. 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 London Salary £36,269 - £38,228 per annum inclusive of London allowance Contract Type Fixed Term Job Type Science Full Time / Part Time Full Time Contract Length 1 Year Job Description Overall purpose: A new opportunity has arisen for a Research Technician in the Cell Cycle Control team headed by Alexis Barr to work as part of an exciting new collaboration with Broken String Biosciences. Main duties / key responsibilities: Participate in laboratory experiments aimed at understanding DNA damage and repair during quiescence Working as part of a small dynamic team of researchers, and under the guidance of Dr Alexis Barr, you will provide support to Dr Rosa Camarillo Daza in a new collaboration with Broken String Biosciences To provide support with the treatment and preparation of cells for DNA break analysis and to help with the analysis of genomic sequencing data to map sites of DNA breaks. To provide help with molecular and cellular biology techniques (siRNA transfection, qPCR, Western blotting) and in imaging - including high-throughput imaging, timelapse imaging and image analysis To liaise with members of Broken String Biosciences and provide detailed feedback on their protocols and analysis tools. This will involve occasional visits to their site in Cambridge for face-to-face meetings and bespoke training. To deputise where required in support to the work of others in the team Provide support ensuring that equipment/apparatus/systems etc in the Cell Cycle Control team are maintained, serviced and repaired as required Plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims Ensure the availability of materials necessary for the project including monitoring consumables stocks and ordering where necessary Attend project and related research group meetings - at LMS and/or Broken String Bioscience headquarters in Cambridge Interact and collaborate with group members Form good working relationships with other members of the group The appointee will: Conduct research as part of the group's collaboration with Broken String Biosciences program Take an active part in the academic activities of the Cell Cycle Control team, including group meetings, group journal clubs, training and organisational aspects Working relationships: The post-holder will report directly to Alexis Barr The post-holder will work closely with Rosa Camarillo Daza, Broken String Biosciences and all members of the Cell Cycle Control Team Person Specification Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form): Essential: BSc or equivalent qualification in Medical Biosciences Previous work experience required (will be assessed from application form and at interview) : Essential: Experience with human cell culture Experience of cell transfection Experience of protein and/or RNA detection methods Experience of cell sorting Experience of high-throughput imaging and quantitative image analysis Understanding of cell cycle control Experience of image-based genetic screens Experience of working as part of a team Desirable: Understanding of DNA damage and repair Experience of using CRISPR/Cas9 approaches to edit or perturb genes Knowledge and experience ( will be assessed from application form and at interview) : Essential: Knowledge and understanding of cell and/or molecular biology Keen interest in developing skills and experimental methods in cell cycle control and DNA repair Knowledge of CRISPR/Cas9 and how it can be used in genome editing Keen interest in learning new bioinformatic approaches for genomic analysis Good written communication skills in English Experience of generating publication-quality figures Experience of presenting research to scientists from other disciplines Desirable: Knowledge of statistical methods in molecular biology Personal skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at interview) : Essential: Good verbal communication skills in English High level of motivation and drive Evidence of ability to organise and conduct complex research projects Ability to work effectively with researchers from different fields (computer scientists to experimental biologists) ranging from postgraduate students to professorial level Ability to work both independently and as part of a team Ability and eagerness to learn new concepts and acquire new skills in biology quickly, and to seek novel and creative solutions to scientific problems Further Information Applicants should submit CV with a brief cover letter describing their motivation for the post and how they fit the person specification, along with the names and contacts of two scientific references. Please quote reference number LMS 2586. 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.