Job description
A full-time research project technician is required to provide laboratory support for the Green lab and contribute to two projects. One aims to refine the use of laboratory frogs (Xenopus laevis) for research while the other is investigating basic mechanisms of tissue development using mice. 
For the Xenopus project, the technician will be responsible for maintaining an ongoing trial protocol including solution preparation, animal handling, water collection and filtration for analysis, shipping and record-keeping, materials monitoring and ordering and keeping the lab and equipment in good order. For the mouse project, the technician will assist with mouse husbandry, histology, image analysis and imaging.
The technician will work closely with the Green lab group to aid their experiments and allow smooth running of the lab. Experience in mouse and/or frog work and an active Home Office Personal Licence or equivalent will be highly desirable. Experience in developmental or cell biology will be beneficial.
 
The main focus of the Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology is to investigate the mechanisms that control head development and repair, underpinning a broader understanding of the genetic basis of craniofacial malformations and disease. Research is multidisciplinary using different experimental models and techniques to explore cell signalling, transcriptional networks and cell behaviour during development and disease. Another focus is studying the in vivo function and biology of stem cells in different craniofacial organs as well as their potential uses for clinical therapies involving the enhancement of natural repair processes and regenerative approaches. 
 
The department has over 60 research staff and major funding from the Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biomedical Science Research Council, ARC, Wellcome Trust and European Union. All the groups occupy newly refurbished laboratories and core facilities on floor 27 of Guy’s Tower.  
 
This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 1 years 
This is a full time  post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• To work with our colony of Xenopus frogs according to the project protocol. 
• To carry out research activities related to the project, including sample collection and processing 
• To prepare solutions, help with ordering and aid the smooth running of the lab 
• To work to an appropriate level of health and safety and perform such jobs as required for effective running of the laboratory. 
• To maintain an up to date and comprehensible record of laboratory work, to make results accessible and complete. 
• To work in a timely and organised fashion to complete pieces of work, produce reports or analyses or contribute to scientific discussion 
• To manage the running of the lab: coordinating with researchers and Prof Green 

 
Skills, knowledge, and experience
Essential criteria 
 
1.       BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent 
2.       Excellent practical animal handling skills  
3.       Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
4.       Good general lab skills  
5.       Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team 
6.       Problem solving skills 
7.       Organised record keeping and experimental planning  
 
Desirable criteria 
 
1.       Home office personal licence 
2.       PhD level experience in a biomedical sciences subject 
3.       Experience of molecular biology and developmental biology techniques 
4.       Training in animal colony maintenance  
 
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.