Part-Time Technician - UOD2347

Job Title: Part-Time Technician

Grade of Post/Salary: Grade 5

Role Purpose

This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic and collaborative research group of Dr. Chris Henstridge at the University of Dundee, to help advance our understanding of Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The role is funded by a recent My Name'5 Doddie Foundation award and is a fixed-term 2 year contract at 0.75FTE (approximately 5.5hrs per day).

Principal Duties

1. - Develop and maintain several lines of iPSC-derived neurons, ensuring high quality and consistent results
2. - Maintain several lines of Drosophila Melanogaster (fruit flies) and coordinate new crosses and experimental protocols as required
3. Keep detailed and transparent notes of all procedures and protocols and be able to communicate this complex information to others
4. Provide updates at fortnightly lab meetings, consisting of detailed information on culturing procedures, troubleshooting strategies and future plans

The post holder will:

The role holder will have a strong grasp of cell culture and sterile technique. They should have experience of the techniques and methodologies required for the full development and maintenance of iPSC-derived neurons, especially lower motor neurons.The expectation is they will be proactive in this and be able to make important decisions on culturing strategy, independently.They should be well organised and able to schedule their own time around the needs of the position.

Service Delivery

The new member will support and work within a small research team and we are looking for someone who works well in that environment. You will not be expected to supervise others; your primary focus will be to focus on consistent iPSC-derived neuronal cultures and Drosophila maintenance. Oral progress updates will be expected at lab meetings, so good note taking and presentation skills will be expected.

Communication

The project involves research groups across Europe, and you will be expected to update everyone on progress at various times throughout the project. This will involve communication of your protocols, troubleshooting plans and culturing success. This will be in the form of oral presentation using visual aids to showcase your data.

You would be expected to present at lab meetings and there would be opportunities to present at departmental seminars if interested. Accurate note taking is essential to ensure the intricate and complex culturing methodologies are fully documented and reproducible.

Decision Making, Planning and Problem Solving

You will work alongside Dr. Zsofia Laszlo to begin with but will be expected to work independently once confident with culturing procedures. You will be in the lab each day to inspect the cultures, change media and perform any associated tasks. You will be expected to plan your daily and weekly tasks and be proactive in troubleshooting any problems, which will involve liaising with lab members.

Training on Drosophila work will be given if required, and you will shadow team members until cleared to work independently. You will need to be diligent during this shadowing period to ensure independence is reached swiftly. You will be expected to schedule your own time and work professionally to ensure the team's research can progress smoothly.

Knowledge and Experience

Strong knowledge of cell culture and experience of culturing and maintaining iPSC-derived neurons. Experience culturing and maintaining iPSC-derived motor neurons would be a particular strength. Experience of working with Drosophila would be a significant strength. Excellent attention to detail and a collegiate approach to research is expected.