Laboratory Technician in Next Generation Sequencing of Musculoskeletal Tissues (172220)

There is an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Technician in Next Generation Sequencing of Musculoskeletal Tissues in the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) based at the Botnar Research Centre, Oxford.

As a Laboratory Technician in our group, you will be responsible for the development/implementation of standardized protocols for patient blood and tissue sample processing prior to nucleic acid extraction or imaging. You will employ a combination of molecular biology techniques including RNA and DNA extraction, and will assist with library preparation for NGS and with multiplex imaging of samples. You will liaise with clinical and research nurse teams (to ensure collection of suitable patient samples) and other members of the research group (regarding experimental techniques and general lab procedures). You will also teach experimental techniques to new laboratory and cluster members, and contribute to wider project discussions/planning, sharing research findings with colleagues in partner institutions and research groups. In addition, you will have some reporting, data management, and lab maintenance responsibilities.

You will hold an MSc or BSc in biological science (or equivalent experience). Previous lab experience (cell culture, DNA/RNA isolation), excellent organisational skills (especially the ability to keep detailed, HTA and GDPR legislation compliant records of samples and results), and the ability to work flexibly and cooperatively both as part of a team and independently are essential. Previous experience in a university environment and with techniques such as NGS library preparation and multiplex imaging are desirable but not essential.

This is a full-time (part-time 60% to 80% FTE will be considered), fixed-term appointment for 24 months.

The closing date for this position is 12 noon on 24 May 2024. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.