Job Description

Location: South Kensington Campus

Job Summary

We are seeking to appoint a Junior Insectary Technician to join a world-leading and dynamic research team at the Department of Life Sciences. You will join the Transmission Zero project ( ), a global malaria research programme co-led by Prof. George Christophides and Dr. Nikolai Windbichler ( ) and based at South Kensington Campus. The programme combines synthetic biology, vector biology and parasitology, and is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The goal of the Transmission Zero project is to develop new and innovative genetic approaches for the control of mosquito vectors of malaria, contributing to the global effort for malaria elimination. It sits at the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, genetics, entomology, and the development of efficient systems that use genetics to create Anopheles mosquito strains that are resistant to malaria, preventing disease spread. The project is part of a wider collaborative network; thus, the role will involve a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research.

The role of the Junior Insectary Technician will be to ensure the smooth running of the insectary facility used by the group. You will also act as a caretaker of wild type and transgenic Anopheles mosquito strains, to ensure that mosquito colonies and samples are available to researchers in the group and to assist in laboratory experiments such as the production of transgenic mosquito strains.

You must be able to demonstrable experience of working with Anopheles mosquitoes or other insect species within a controlled insectary environment, good understanding of insect genetics and transgenesis, as well as practical experience of working within a highly competitive research environment are essential. Good knowledge of genomics and experience in insect biology is desirable.

Duties and responsibilities

• Conducting the rearing of wild type and transgenic lines of Anopheles mosquitoes
• Assisting with generation of novel transgenic mosquito strains
• Performing tissue dissections and genomic DNA extraction from mosquito samples
• To keep the conditions and hygiene of insectary facilities at a high standard
• To prepare and carry out experiments following guidelines and analyse results using a range of agreed procedures
• To prepare media and chemical solutions
• To prioritise tasks within an agreed work schedule
• Assisting in the maintenance of climate-controlled insectary rooms in the SAF building
• Assisting with laboratory management duties including ordering
• Maintaining stock of routine supplies
• Documentation and analysis of experimental data
• Participation in local laboratory meetings
• Ensuring good laboratory practice is in place
• Assist with preparation of grant reports and scientific publications, where required

Essential requirements

• Basic experience in molecular biology
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
• Ability to keep meticulous records
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to follow protocols and learn new techniques in a timely and skilled manner
• Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
• Practical experience of working within a highly competitive research environment

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term position initially available for up to 3 months, with the potential for extension pending the award of extra funding. You will be based at South Kensington Campus.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Nikolai Windbichler - .

\xc2\xa331,781 to \xc2\xa333,632 per annum

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