Genotyping Technician, Centre for Developmental Neurobiology

Job ID: 020866

Salary: £28,717 - £31,831 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Posted: 16-Apr-2021

Closing date: 02-May-2021

Business unit: IoPPN Department: Developmental Neurobiology

Contact details: Deborah Coles, 020 7848 6545 / deborah.coles@kcl.ac.uk 

Guy's Campus   Professional and support services    

Job description
Applications are invited for the position of a Genotyping Technician (grade 4) in the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN) in the School of Neuroscience, King’s College London. Reporting to the Resource Manager in CDN, the post holder will manage the Centre’s Genotyping Service and contribute to the development and expansion of the service. The post holder will also be part of a team of technicians providing a comprehensive technical service to the Research Centre as required, to ensure efficient daily operations.
 
The successful candidate should have experience of PCR and genotyping, should be self-motivated and have the ability to work enthusiastically and effectively as part of a team. 
 
This post will be offered on an indefinite contract. 

This is a full-time post.

Key responsibilities

• To provide a genotyping service for Centre laboratories. 
• Ensure efficient turnaround of samples to maintain the continuity of Centre researchers work.
• Develop and maintain a system for accurate record keeping and data distribution to service users.
• Optimise methods and genotyping assays to increase throughput of service.
• Assist the Resource Manager in development and expansion of the service.
• To perform routine laboratory duties such as keeping stocks of consumables at adequate levels and to ensure that the laboratories are kept in a fit state for research projects to be undertaken.
• To assist in maintaining good housekeeping of all Centre lab areas. Working with staff and students in the laboratories to ensure that they are maintained in a clean and safe condition.
• To assist with the provision of safety inductions for new members of staff and students joining the Centre.
• Ensure the distribution of liquid nitrogen, ensuring safe storage of critical biological samples.
• Ensure that gas cylinders are provided as required by the Research Groups.
• Assist in ensuring that the clinical waste bins and bags are regularly disposed of in a safe manner, including the sterilisation of laboratory waste.
• Assist in ensuring glassware is cleaned and distributed to research groups as required.
• Assist with the regular cleaning and defrosting of Centre -20°C and -80°C freezers.
• Fulfill role as one of the Centre Fire Marshalls.
• To assist in the collection and disposal of waste biological solutions and chemicals.
• To set up and carry out routine maintenance of both simple (e.g. pure water systems) and complex laboratory equipment.
• To assist with deliveries and setting up of new equipment.
• Adhere to any COSHH and risk assessment requirements and safe working practices.
• Undertake any other reasonable task within the Centre as requested by Resource Manager or the Director of the Centre.

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

• HND/HNC or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent relative experience 
• Previous experience of work in a laboratory environment  
• Previous experience of DNA extraction, PCR and genotyping 
• Good computer skills including Microsoft Office packages 
• Working knowledge of risk assessments and Health & Safety in a laboratory environment 
• Knowledge of general laboratory support and organisation 
• Willingness to work occasionally outside core working hours 
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team, particularly with regards to undertaking a share of group tasks and maintenance of laboratory resources 
• Solutions-focused self-starter, with strong planning and organisational skills, an ability to manage competing priorities and who can work with minimal supervision 
• Committed to active career development and willingness to register with the Science Council for professional registration 

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience of PCR optimisation and primer design 
• Previous experience of experimental process optimisation 
• Trained in the use of cryogenic gases and compressed gases 
• Experience of laboratory management systems (bookkit /labcup) 

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.