Imperial College London
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Research Technician
Department:
Molecular Sciences
Institute:
Clinical Sciences
Job Family and Level:
Technical Services, Level 3a
Salary Range:
£29,800 - £33,860 per annum
Responsible To:
Dr Christian Speck
Works closely with:
Members of the DNA Replication Group
Location:
Hammersmith Campus
Contract:
Full time, fixed term for two years
Summary of Post
Under the direction of Dr Christian Speck and postdoctoral members of the research team the post-holder
will carry out work to support the research programme and the organisation and smooth running of the lab.
The post holder will gain experience in protein expression & purification, molecular cloning, FACS and in
vitro assays using purified proteins. The project uses proteins from yeast and human to study DNA
replication with further work being carried out in yeast cells and cell culture.
The post-holder will play a key role in protein expression and purification of proteins underpinning the
studies of the whole group, as well as assisting the doctoral and post-doctoral workers on the programme
in their scientific studies. The successful candidate will be immersed in an integrative research environment
with opportunities to work with other scientists within the institute. The candidate will also be exposed to the
other work carried out by other groups within the CSC via frequent lectures.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Provide full laboratory management assistance to the Head of the DNA Replication Group, i.e., dayto-day coordination and running of the laboratory including supervisory responsibilities for
laboratory staff and students
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Coordinate and oversee laboratory staff and students in the laboratories’ research procedures,
record-keeping and the requisite health and safety and staff development training
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Ensure that all work done in the laboratory complies with the applicable regulations
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Coordinate the purchase and invoicing of laboratory equipment and supplies and liaise with
administrative staff for laboratory budget guidelines, monitoring and management
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Record and maintain data and information, as relevant and appropriate
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Contribute to the presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the research community
in general
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Contribute to the preparation of grant reports and scientific publications
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Compliance with College policies, including financial regulations, equal opportunities, promoting
race equality policy, health and safety policy, information systems security policy and intellectual
property rights and register of interest policies.
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Any other duties which may arise commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the Head
of Section
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To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key policies and
procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data Protection, Equal Opportunities, Ethics
related, External Interests, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations (for new
leaders, managers and supervisors), Information Technology, and Smoking.
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To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out on the College
Health
and
Safety
Structure
and
Responsibilities
web
page:
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the postholder may be required to undertake other
duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial College London is committed to equality and valuing diversity.
Imperial College London
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess the following attributes:
Imperial Expectations
These are the 7 principles that all staff are expected to follow:
1.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
Deliver positive outcomes
Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
Support and develop staff to optimise talent
Work in a planned and managed way
Qualifications
Essential
 BSc degree, or equivalent, in Biochemistry/Biology
Desirable
 A Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Biochemistry/Biology
Knowledge / Experience
Essential
 Experience in laboratory-based research
 Experience with protein expression & purification
 Experience with molecular biology techniques (Cloning / PCR)
 Computer literacy using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Desirable
 Experience with yeast
 Knowledge of and interest in genome stability
Skills and Abilities
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Methodical approach
Close attention to detail
Good verbal and written communication skills
Good interpersonal and organisational skills
Good personal time management skills
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Ability to work constructively and effectively as part of a team
Excellent laboratory skills
Excellent organisational skills
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills
Proven skills at problem-solving and overcoming obstacles
Ability to use own initiative and work independently and as part of a team, as required
Proven ability to prioritise, plan ahead and manage a high volume of work to meet deadlines, both
prescribed and self-imposed, and ensure that the laboratory runs in an efficient and timely manner
Ability and willingness to adapt to changing timetables or work patterns as dictated by changing
circumstances
Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high degree of accuracy
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role