Technician

European Drosophila Society; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in cell and molecular biophysics is seeking a motivated Technician/Senior Technician. This exciting role involves working in a collaborative environment to explore Drosophila genetics and its implications in development and disease. The successful candidate will manage laboratory operations, coordinate experiments, and gain hands-on experience with advanced techniques. This full-time position offers a fixed-term contract, allowing you to contribute to groundbreaking research while developing your skills in a supportive setting. If you are passionate about scientific advancement and eager to make an impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in Drosophila genetics and molecular biology is essential.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Drosophila laboratory and coordinate fly stocks.
• Collaborate with scientists to coordinate experiments and analyze results.

Skills

Drosophila genetics

Molecular biology

Advanced imaging techniques

Microscopy

Project planning

Data analysis

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Health & Safety regulations

Computer programming

Education

BSc in Biological Discipline

Level 3 qualification (A levels, IB)

Level 4 qualification (HNC, higher apprenticeship)

Tools

Stereomicroscope

Microsoft Office

Job description

Technician/Senior Technician at King's College London

We are looking for a motivated Technician/Senior Technician role, dependent on experience, to work in the laboratory of Professor Brian Stramer within the Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics at King’s College London. This is a Wellcome Trust funded project in collaboration with The University of Manchester. The goal of this project is to exploit Drosophila genetics to understand the role and regulation of the extracellular matrix during development and disease. The postholder will be responsible for overseeing the Drosophila laboratory, coordinating fly stocks, and helping perform day-to-day experiments. They will also need to collaborate with several scientists working on this project who are based at King’s College London and The University of Manchester in order to coordinate experiments and analyse results. They will gain experience with Drosophila genetics, molecular biology and advanced imaging techniques.

This is a full time post, and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 24 months. This is a laboratory-based role that will require the post holder to work on site 5 days per week. Earliest start date is 3rd of February 2025.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Grade: 4

• Minimum level 3 qualification, e.g. A levels, AS levels, International Baccalaureate diploma or other Level 3 qualification, plus work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts.
• Good communication skills – orally and in writing with proficient computer use (Microsoft Office packages) and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills.
• Good project planning, organisational skills and ability to learn and implement new techniques fast.
• Evidence of an active commitment to career development including professional registration, such as RSciTech or RSci and clear progression in increasingly demanding jobs.
• Previous basic experience working in a biological laboratory, including a capacity to analyse and interpret data.
• Being able to work independently and as part of a team, planning own day-to-day research activity, responding to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided and resolving problems as they arise, using standard procedures and initiative.
• Working knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability.
• Experience working with microscopy.
• Experience with fine dissections under a stereomicroscope.
• Experience working with Drosophila or knowledge of Drosophila as a model organism.
• BSc degree in a biological discipline or other degree in cell, developmental biology or genetics.
• Knowledge of computer programming.

Grade: 5

• Minimum level 4 qualification, e.g., higher apprenticeship, HNC or other Level 4 award, plus work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts.
• Strong communication skills – orally and in writing with proficient computer use (Microsoft Office packages) and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills.
• Strong project planning, organisational skills and ability to learn and implement new techniques fast.
• Evidence of an active commitment to career development including professional registration, such as RSci, or working towards CSci and clear progression in increasingly demanding jobs.
• Previous experience working in a biological laboratory.
• Previous in-depth knowledge of technical or scientific practices, methods and procedures gained through experience and/or formal qualification working in a biological laboratory, including a capacity to analyse and interpret complex data.
• Being confident to work independently and as part of a team, planning own day-to-day research activity, responding to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided and resolving problems as they arise, using standard procedures and initiative.
• Working knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability.
• Experience working with microscopy.
• Experience with fine dissections under a stereomicroscope.
• Experience working with Drosophila or knowledge of Drosophila as a model organism.
• BSc degree in a biological discipline or other degree in cell, developmental biology or genetics.