Laboratory Technician

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Oxford is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support the diagnostic service related to mitochondrial disorders. The role involves providing technical and administrative assistance to ensure the smooth operation of the laboratory. The ideal candidate should have laboratory experience, an A-level or equivalent science qualification, and strong problem-solving skills. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in mitochondrial health.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment and with hazardous chemicals.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to organise samples and record results clearly.
• IT skills and good organisational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and administrative support to the laboratory.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory operations.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Problem-solving abilities

Attention to detail

IT skills

Knowledge of health and safety regulations

Education

A-level or equivalent qualification in science

Job description

Overview

Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU. The Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health is seeking to appoint a Laboratory Technician to join Professor Jo Poulton's group. This post is closely allied to the diagnostic service of the NHS funded HSS for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders Service for Adults and Children (Oxford branch). Diagnosing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome is frequently difficult and can be supported by characterising mtDNA depletion in primary fibroblast cultures. Ours is the only national service offering such characterisation. At present we use standard fluorescence microscopy, but we are in the process of automating this using high content imaging (Operetta, Perkin Elmer). We aim to validate these tests for diagnosis. Similarly, we use related methods to support the diagnosis of defects in mitochondrial dynamics (fission and fusion). Our method is able to quantify mitophagy (a type of mitochondrial recycling) and we would ideally like to develop this as a biomarker for mitochondrial disease. We thus need an experienced team member to provide technical and administrative support, and to ensure the smooth running of the laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and administrative support to the laboratory and contribute to the smooth running of the operations.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment and with hazardous chemicals.
• Educated to at least A-level, or with an equivalent qualification in science.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems with experiments and arrive at appropriate solutions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to organise samples and record results in a clear and organised fashion.
• IT skills, good organisational skills, and knowledge of health and safety regulations in a laboratory environment.