UK DRI Research Technician - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

UK DRI Research Technician - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

About us:

Neurodegenerative disorders are the greatest health challenge of our century. To date there is no way to prevent it or even slow its progression, and there is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause it.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative driving forward research to fill this gap.

We are a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of 850 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, with laboratory-based research groups located at University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, Imperial College London, and Kings College London.

Researchers at the UK DRI at Kings use innovative approaches to explore the biological mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Their goal is to defeat dementia by uncovering vital new knowledge that will lead to the design of smarter diagnostics and effective treatments. The team aim to understand the fundamental biological processes involved in dementia at a molecular level and to use that knowledge to design new ways to diagnose and treat disease more precisely.

Join the forefront of dementia research at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at Kings College London, where our interdisciplinary research community is dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As part of the Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, the UK DRI at Kings undertakes innovative cellular, molecular and translational research to advance our understanding of neurodegeneration and develop new therapeutic approaches.

About the role:

Dr Jacqueline Mitchell and Prof Marc-David Ruepp are seeking an enthusiastic and organised Research Technician to work on a project to identify the molecular determinants of FUS toxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) utilising transgenic mouse models.

This position will require excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, as well as a willingness to undertake occasional weekend and Bank Holiday work where required for the maintenance of mouse colonies.

You will be a reliable and motivated technician with a strong interest in supporting research into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease.

The Mitchell and Ruepp groups work collaboratively to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying ALS and related neurodegenerative disorders. You will join a multidisciplinary research environment at the Denmark Hill Campus with a key role in:

• Maintaining and managing transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning and accurate colony record keeping
• Planning breeding strategies to ensure the timely availability of animals required for experimental studies
• Performing mouse genotyping and analysis of results
• Undertaking routine monitoring and care of mouse colonies and performing licensed procedures as appropriate
• Supporting experimental studies using transgenic mouse models, including tissue collection and processing
• Preparing and sectioning tissues for histological analysis
• Performing immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining
• Imaging-stained tissues using slide-scanning and confocal microscopy
• Undertaking routine image analysis using appropriate analytical software
• Maintaining accurate experimental and laboratory records
• Ensuring that work is carried out in accordance with relevant health and safety, animal welfare and regulatory requirements
• Being available and willing to work occasional weekends and Bank Holidays where required for essential mouse-colony duties

This post is offered on a part-time or full-time basis (26.2535 hours per week) on a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of extension subject to further funding.

Research staff at Kings are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers , applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you:

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

Essential criteria

1. Hands-on experience working with laboratory mice.
2. Demonstrable experience in experimental planning and accurate record keeping.
3. Practical skills in working in a laboratory environment.
4. Excellent organizational and planning skills.

Desirable criteria

1. A current or previous UK Home Office Personal License for work with mice.
2. Experience in collection, dissection and processing of mouse tissues.
3. Experience in mouse handling, routine procedures, and colony management.
4. A degree in a relevant or related biomedical science
5. Demonstratable experience of independently managing multiple genetically modified mouse colonies, including breeding strategy and colony planning, weaning, and genotyping.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.