Research Technician

The post holder will support the research undertaken by the Trophoblast and Human Embryo Lab, situated in the Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine at the Guy’s Hospital campus. The research focuses on elucidating signalling pathways regulating human placenta development.    

The post holder will be responsible for applying in vitro models to investigate molecular mechanisms regulating trophoblast development. The post holder will be responsible for media preparation, maintaining trophoblast stem cell lines and organoids, generating lentiviruses, and developing reporter cell lines. The ideal candidate will have experience in aseptic techniques in a research laboratory environment and will be familiar with specialised experimental and analytical equipment and techniques used in research; enabling them to work safely and effectively.  

Experience in cell culture is essential, as is the ability to work independently and accurately to high standards. You will be expected to have excellent skills in media preparation and aseptic cell culture techniques. Knowledge of human organoid culture, lentivirus production and/or tissue processing for fluorescence microscopy is advantageous, though training will be provided. This post is suitable for a candidate seeking to further experience in cell culture as well as expanding their repertoire of expertise to human stem cells. Applicants should hold a BSc in a relevant biological discipline or higher.

Applications from underrepresented minorities in all capacities are actively encouraged. 

This post will be offered on  a fixed-term contract for 3 months 

This is a full-time post – 100% full time equivalent

•       Develop and undertake research of high quality consistent with making an active contribution in line with the lab and department research strategies  

•       Working with human stem cells as models for research 

•       Contribute to the general day-to-day running of the cell culture and research laboratory, including preparation of communal media and solutions, maintenance of equipment and maintaining stocks of consumables 

•       Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of tissue culture incubators and fume hoods 

•       Carry out individual research project with training and supervision to an agreed timeline and within a specific budget 

•       Assist the department manager in ensuring compliance with Health and Safety regulations within the group including preparation of COSHH risk assessments 

•       Attend and, as appropriate, present research findings at internal meetings 

•       Assist in data analysis  

•       From time to time, the post-holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the grade of the post within the department and division. 

•       To be responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided and resolving problems as they arise 

•       To actively engage in Continuing Professional Development and training initiatives, in line with the Technician Commitment. 

•       To use a broad range of technical or practical skills and a well-developed working knowledge of technical or scientific practices and procedures acquired through on-the-job experience and/or vocational training  

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria  

1.        Minimum level 3 qualification (e.g. A levels, AS levels, International Baccalaureate diploma or other level 3 qualification) plus work experience in a relevant technical/scientific post

2.       Experience in aseptic cell culture techniques in a laboratory environment

3.       A broad range of technical or practical skills and a well-developed working knowledge of technical/scientific practices and procedures

4.       Ability to apply learnt techniques/skills to the work context

5.        Good computer skills including Microsoft office packages

6.       Clear communication skills, orally and in writing

7.        Working knowledge of Health & Safety regulations relating to laboratories, particularly relating to laboratory waste disposal

8.       Flexible team-worker, being proactive and responsive to colleagues

9.       Solutions-focused, with the ability to work with training and supervision, knowing when to escalate complex problems

10.    Systematic approach, underpinned with a commitment to high technical standards

Desirable criteria

11.   Experience in tissue processing for immunofluorescence microscopy analysis 

12.   Experience in organoid culture 

13.   Experience in lentivirus production