BRF GeMS Research Scientist

The GeMS Research Scientist (RS) post-holder interacts closely with other members of the lab, and the wider GM Service. In addition, the post-holder interacts with other scientists and staff across other labs at the Crick, staff across the Biological Research Facility and with other local and off-site services.The post-holder is required to contribute to both the gene delivery process, through microinjection, electroporation and embryo transfer, and the cryopreservation and ART service. They are required to track and report on progress and are expected to improve the service, for example by seeking specialist training, improving protocols or by generating or involvement in specific development projects.
Deadline for applications has passed.

Key information

Job reference
R548
Salary
From £32,500 (pro rata 3 days per week) subject to skills and experience.
Applications closed
16 December 2021, 23:59 GMT
Hours per week
21.6
Posted 02 December 2021
Background texture taken from the lab imagery.

Reports to: GeMS Senior Manager – Transgenic Services

This is a part time (0.6 FTE), fixed term maternity cover position (12 months) on Crick Terms and Conditions of employment.

Summary

Animal models provide an important means to determine gene function and model disease. The Biological Research Facility (BRF) are providing expertise and support for housing and experiment, all underpinned with world-class standards of welfare. Within the BRF, the Genetic Modification Services (GeMS) team provides the specialist skills and resources for the production, storage and use of genetically modified animals & cell lines together with ancillary techniques.

The services that GeMS offer are frequently updated, but currently comprise:

  • Gene delivery/Micromanipulation – introduction of gene sequence by cytoplasmic or pronuclear microinjection or electroporation of one cell fertilised embryos, or by chimera generation through ES cell injection or aggregation.
  • Surgical expertise in embryo transfer surgery, employing rigorous aseptic technique
  • Cryopreservation of rodent and aquatic germplasm for archiving and backup of GA lines
  • Assisted Reproductive techniques (in vitro fertilisation)
  • Rederivation of live and frozen imports
  • Molecular biology –design and production of sequences for targeting strategies, with a focus on CRISPR Cas techniques
  • Murine stem cell culture, maintenance and transfection, derivation and characterisation

Key responsibilities

The GeMS Research Scientist (RS) post-holder will interact closely with other members of the lab, and the wider GM Service. In addition, the post-holder will interact with other scientists and staff across other labs at the Crick, staff across the Biological Research Facility and with other local and off-site services.

The post-holder will be required to heavily contribute to both the cryopreservation and  ART service, and the gene delivery process, through microinjection and electroporation. They would be required to track and report on progress and are expected to improve the service, for example by seeking specialist training, improving protocols or by generating or involvement in specific development projects.

Objectives

The GeMS Research Scientist (RS) will contribute to all or most areas of the GeMS Transgenic Service and may have responsibility for one key area.

Specific objectives will include, but not be limited to:

  • To participate across all areas of the GeMS Transgenic Service, being a key contributor to the cryopreservation and gene delivery work in the team. Assisting other members of the team, as well as the wider BRF, to achieve the delivery of specialist services that support scientific research at the Crick. Undertaking reasonable work requests and when required participating in essential out of hour rota’s.

  • Working closely with the Head of GeMS and the GeMS Senior Manager, the post holder may take a leading role on the day-to-day management and provision of one key area of the Transgenic component of the service, showing initiative, maintaining records, troubleshooting and improving procedures, while fostering and maintaining good client relationships.

  • To train, and supervise other members of the team. Working to achieve and exceed the service’s goals, working to agreed protocols and operating in a culture of innovation, best practice and collaboration. To be conscious of resourcing constraints, acting to achieve value for money.

  • To maintain records of their work for communication, for reporting and compliance, ensuring that their own scientific work and that of staff they supervise, is carried out accurately and efficiently, adhering to legal frameworks.

  • To report on the outcome of their work, collaborating with the Senior Managers and the Head of GeMS, to address problems and make changes and improvements

  • To develop a considerable knowledge base across all aspects of this work helping to improve and update techniques and protocols.

  • To carry out any other reasonable request from the Head of GeMS, the GeMS Senior Manager and the Director of the BRF

Health & Safety

  • Awareness and promotion of all relevant health and safety guidance and legislation.
  • To ensure compliance to appropriate SOPs by all staff.
  • To hold responsibility for reviewing and updating relevant SOPs, COSHH and RAs to share with staff as appropriate

Information Technology

  • Ordering consumables via a computer ordering system, ensuring value for money at all times and maintaining the budget for that service aspect
  • Use of the Colony Management and other appropriate storage and procedural databases.
  • Using and training of others in all in house database systems appropriately.
  • Reporting any issues with any in house database systems to the head(s) of service and cascading to appropriate working groups.

Communication

  • Ability to interpret and communicate information effectively to staff across all levels
  • Liaising effectively and efficiently with all levels of the Crick staff to ensure projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner
  • Building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders.
  • Chairing and participating in committees and working groups.
  • Providing written and verbal reports as required, including those related to animal welfare, production, scientific procedures and health and safety matters.

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

  • A degree, or equivalent in a biological subject, in animal technology or a related science or significant experience in a relevant field.
  • The post holder will have previous lab experience and possess  a  proven track  record in a relevant lab position. Areas of  particular  interest  are  cryopreservation  of murine or aquatic sperm/embryos, microinjection of mouse  embryos, or proven embryo transfer experience.
  • Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team, a flexible and cooperative approach to working with others.
  • Experience and willingness to work with animal models.
  • Able to work independently and drive a project forward.
  • Excellent project planning, time-keeping, organisational and record-keeping skills.

Desirable