Job description

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.  

A research technician is required to provide laboratory support for the Tucker lab and contribute to a project that aims to understand the development of the temporomandibular joint disc, and how endogenous stem cells might be leveraged for its repair.
The technician will be responsible for establishing and maintaining colonies of genetically modified mice, including fluorescence reporter lines and mice with mutation causing disc defects. In addition, the technician will contribute to the research on the project and support the genetic, molecular and histology work carried out in the Tucker laboratory. Research will include gathering data on TMJ disc cellular lineage and validation of RNA-Seq data through in situ gene expression analysis. Techniques will include genotyping, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization (including RNAScope), histology techniques, light and confocal microscopy imaging.
The technician will work closely with the PhD students and postdocs in the Tucker lab to aid their experiments and allow smooth running of the lab. Experience in mouse work is essential and an active Home Office Personal Licence or equivalent will be highly desirable. Experience in molecular techniques will be beneficial.

Managerial responsibility will include ensuring smooth running of the lab: ordering, organizing the lab, dealing with risk assessments, CoBRA regulations.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 22 months 

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

Key responsibilities

* To establish and maintain colonies of genetically modified mice. 

* To carry out research activities related to the project, including genotyping, histology, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, confocal imaging. 

* 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 Tucker 

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria 

•       BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent 

•       Home office personal licence  

•       Excellent practical mouse handling skills  

•       Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

•       Good general lab skills  

•       Experience of Molecular biology and developmental biology techniques, such as PCR, In Situ Hybridisation, immunohistochemistry 

•       Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team 

•       Problem solving skills 

•       Organised record keeping and experimental planning  

Desirable criteria 

•       PhD level experience in a biomedical sciences subject 

•       Training in mouse colony maintenance  

•       Familiarity with analysis of RNA-seq data sets