Lab Research Technician

Full-time- 35 hours hours per week 

Fixed-term: 6 Years

The Opportunity:

The laboratory research technician will support a pioneering Wellcome-funded project to characterise the synaptome architecture of the mammalian brain. The job-holder will prepare mouse brain sections for fluorescent imaging of synaptic proteins by confocal microscopy, followed by image registration and brain region delineation, ready for downstream imaging data analysis and interpretation by the computational team. In doing so, they will help define fundamental design principles inherent in the building blocks of the brain on multiple scales, as a fundamental step towards unravelling brain complexity. This work forms a key component of the lab’s long-term research vision to advance understanding of the structural and functional diversity of synapses throughout the brain, how this architecture underlies core activities such as learning and memory, and is impacted by ageing, environment, lived experience and mutations that cause major neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurological disorders.

These posts are full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. These positions are 6 years fixed term.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• In-depth knowledge and experience of tissue sectioning and immunohistochemical techniques as applied to the rodent brain
• Experience with bright-field and fluorescence confocal microscopy
• Familiarity with the anatomy of the mouse brain
• Experience of undertaking a range of specialist laboratory support activities, techniques and procedures with minimal supervision
• Guidance and training of junior researchers and students
• A good working understanding of laboratory health and safety procedures
• Good numeracy and IT skills (including Microsoft Office), with confident analytical and technical problem solving
• Ability to keep clear and accurate records and to effectively communicate complex information orally and in writing
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational and time-management skills, with a flexible and proactive approach to planning and undertaking research

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