JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Research Technician
Institute:
National Heart and Lung Institute
Section:
Genomic Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Technical Services, Level 3a
Salary Range:
£28,770 - £32,750 per annum
Responsible To:
Professor Anne Bowcock
Working Relationships:
Laboratory and Clinical Staff within
Medicine and external collaborators
Funding:
National Cancer Institute/other
Duration:
Fixed-term until 30 April 2016
Location:
Royal Brompton Campus
Genomic
Summary of Post
You will contribute to our research into the identification of molecular alterations in
cancer. You will perform a variety of molecular genetic and genomic experiments
designed to follow-up on recent findings in cancer genetics and have supervisory
responsibility for liaison with internal and external collaborators. You will also
contribute to the running and maintenance of the laboratory to high standards of
safety and efficiency.
Duties and Responsibilities

Planning and executing experiments using the following techniques:
o Cell Culture
o DNA extraction and quantification
o RNA extraction and quantification
o PCR
o Northern blotting
o Western Blotting
o The collection, preparation, processing and storage of samples
o DNA cloning
o In-vitro mutagenesis
o Genome-editing
o Sanger sequencing
o Preparation of reagents for NexGen sequencing analysis
o Target capture
o cDNA preparation
o quantitative RT-PCR analyses
o RNA knockdown
o
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Cell-based transfections
Provide up-to-date technical expertise, advice and support to a very high
standard in identification functional analyses of genetic alterations associated
with cancer
Provide full laboratory management assistance to the Head of Group, i.e., day-today coordination of sample collection (blood, fresh frozen and FFPE specimens
and tissue tracking of samples
Coordinate and advise laboratory staff, Clinical Research Fellows and students in
molecular genetic techniques
Ensure that all work done in the laboratory complies with the applicable
regulations concerning biohazards, radiation, and human tissue use, and
maintain all documentation relevant to Home Office standards and Imperial
College regulations/standards
Coordinate the purchase and invoicing of laboratory equipment and supplies and
liaise with administrative staff for laboratory budget guidelines, monitoring and
management
Record and maintain data and information, as relevant and appropriate
Contribute to the presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the
research community in general
Contribute to the preparation of grant reports and scientific publications
Any other duties which may arise commensurate with the grade of the post as
directed by the Head of Section
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, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety,
Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and supervisors),
Information Technology, Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and
Smoking.
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set
out on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities
page
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out
in its Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential
 Bachelor Degree in life sciences or medicine or related field, or equivalent
vocational qualification or equivalent experience in laboratory management
Desirable
 MSc in a life science
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
 Proven experience in molecular genetics and genomics laboratory
approaches
 Detailed knowledge of the procedures relevant to the work
 Experience in managing or supervising laboratory staff and clinical fellows
 Experience in managing or supervising laboratory staff, including training and
regulatory compliance
Desirable
 Experience with preparation of libraries for NexGen sequencing and targeted
capture
 Previous experience in karyotyping and fluorescence in-situ hybridization
Skills and Abilities
Essential
 Excellent laboratory skills
 Excellent organisational skills
 Excellent attention to detail
 Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills
 Excellent written and oral communication 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
Other
Essential
 An open, flexible and positive approach to working in a constantly changing
environment
 Prepared to work unsociable hours as work demands from time to time