Lab Research Technician

Job title:

Lab Research Technician

Company

University of Edinburgh

Job description

Job Description:Grade UE06- £32,982- £38,205College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine- Centre for Clinical Brain SciencesFull-time- 35 hours hours per weekFixed-term: 6 YearsThe 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

Click to view a copy of the fullAs part of this application you will be required to submit a one page document outlining how you meet the essential criteria, as outlined on the job description.As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of £32,982 to £38,205
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our

(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefitsChampioning equality, diversity and inclusionThe University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab).The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.Key dates to noteThe closing date for applications is 4 September 2024.Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.Interviews dates TBC.About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the Team:Centre for Clinical Brain SciencesThe Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (CCBS; Director Professor Colin Smith), part of Edinburgh Medical School and Edinburgh Neuroscience, integrates laboratory and clinical research to study the causes, consequences and treatment of major brain disorders. Anchored in the Edinburgh BioQuarter adjacent to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and with bases at other Edinburgh hospital sites, CCBS’ locations link clinical and laboratory science with informatics and commerce to encourage the free-flowing exchange of ideas, the efficient use of clinical data and joint academic/health service delivery.CCBS comprises 64 Principal Investigators (47 staff and 17 honorary)-including 21 Personal Chairs. Of these, 70% are active NHS clinicians, which grounds the Centre’s research aims close to unmet clinical need and facilitates the translation of research findings into real-world impact. The 300+ members of CCBS conduct research of international recognition and reputation and publish approximately 300 papers a year. Major strengths include clinical trials and trial methodology, neuroimaging, neuropathology and regenerative neurology (including human stem cell research) in a wide range of conditions encompassing brain vascular disease/stroke, neurodegenerative disease, prion disease and psychiatric disorders. CCBS researchers attracted £57M in grant-funding over the last three years and collaborate widely, leading national and international clinical trials in stroke (e.g. IST-3, FOCUS, RESTART) and dementia (e.g. EPAD, AMYPAD) and playing a major role in the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh. The National CJD Research and Surveillance Unit is a WHO Reference Centre for Human Prion Disease. The research generates significant and measurable impact in terms of patient health and wellbeing, NHS policy and economy, and public awareness.Within Edinburgh University’s REF 2021 submission the second largest submission was for “Neuro”; that is formally classified as Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience (Unit of Assessment 4). Edinburgh was ranked second in the UK by quality (‘grade point average’, according to Research Professional) and third in the UK by the ‘power’ measure which takes into account the size of the submission as well as the quality (according to Times Higher Education; up from 4th in the last REF in 2014). The combined metric of quality and power places Edinburgh 1st in the UK. 52% of our research papers were awarded the highest score of 4*, defined as world-leading, and a further 38% were rated 3*, defined as internationally excellent. 100% of our ten impact case studies – measuring health and wealth gain- were awarded 4*, meaning they are world-leading in reach and significance. Importantly 100% of our environment was awarded 4*, meaning the context in which our research takes place is world-leading in vitality and sustainability.CCBS currently has 49 postgraduate students, mostly PhDs. It is particularly strong in clinical PhD training, with a number of innovative schemes including Rowling Scholars and Princess Margaret Research Development Fellowships. The Edinburgh Imaging Academy is a flagship for e-learning MSc and CPD courses. The Centre also has a strong record of attracting philanthropic donations to establish specialist research hubs (Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, MS Society Edinburgh Centre for MS Research, Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre, Sackler Institute for Psychobiological Research, Row Fogo Centre) that are maintained and expanded by community fundraising.For further information about our Centre is available on the ( ) (opens in a new browser tab).

Expected salary

£32982 – 38205 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 03:12:40 GMT

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