Molecular and Insectary Research Technician

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

We are seeking to appoint one Research Technician to join a project that aims to build and improve gene drive systems, based on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 expressed in the germline of the mosquito vectors of malaria, with the ultimate goal of malaria control by decreasing the reproductive potential of mosquito populations.

What you would be doing:

You will perform cloning, molecular diagnostic assays, fertility experiments, caged population experiments, and other laboratory experiments applied to the generation and molecular analysis of modified mosquitoes. This will include assisting in mosquito embryo microinjections and genetic crossing experiments.

Duties will also include contributing to the smooth running and regulatory compliance of the insectary facility used by the group, including acting as a caretaker of transgenic mosquito strains, ensuring that mosquito colonies are healthy and supply samples are available to researchers in the group when needed for experiments. Regular support to phenotype assays and to high standards of insectary maintenance may also be required by the project.

What we are looking for:

• You will have a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent vocational qualification in a biological sciences subject as well as previous experience of working with mosquitoes and in a molecular lab environment.
• You will have demonstrable experience, preferably in a relevant technical/scientific role, in molecular biology techniques, including Golden Gate, Site-Directed Mutagenesis, Gibson Assembly, RNA extraction, maxi and minipreps, bacteria transformation, gel purification, polymerase chain reaction, qPCR, and gDNA extractions
• Previous experience of working with insects and in insectary-based procedures, including rearing and maintenance techniques are highly desirable, though not essential. Basic experience in using bioinformatic tools and automated liquid handling units is advantageous but not required.   
• You are expected to have a solid knowledge of molecular biology theory and practical methods such as electrophoresis, PCR, qPCR, CRISPR/Cas9, site-specific mutagenesis, bacteria, cell-lines transfection and cloning.
• You should be a highly motivated individual and demonstrate the ability to learn how to use standard laboratory equipment and basic scientific techniques. You will also be expected to be able to work in a collaborative manner, be open-minded with a positive approach to routine work as well as to training opportunities relevant to the role.

What we can offer you:

You will interact daily with a large team of research associates and senior research technicians within the Crisanti group and provide them with the required technical support to produce independent and original research as part of a large, multi-disciplinary research consortium called Target Malaria (https://targetmalaria.org/). The Crisanti lab has achieved several notable successes in recent years and is at the frontier in the field of mosquito transgenesis, genome editing and gene drive.

This is a great opportunity to continue your career, train and acquire new skills at a world-leading institution.

Further Information

This is a full-time, fixed-term on-site position available until 30 June 2025, with the possibility of an extension, subject to funding availability.

You will be based at South Kensington Campus and will be required to work onsite. The starting salary will be in the range defined, depending on experience. Appointments will usually be made at the bottom of the scale.

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Dr. Carla Siniscalchi, c.siniscalchi@imperial.ac.uk

Advert information