Research Assistant at the Department of Developmental Neurobiology

Job id: 076705. Salary: £36,532 – £39,180 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 13 October 2023. Closing date: 12 November 2023.

Business unit: IoPPN. Department: Developmental Neurobiology.

Contact details:Professor Robert Hindges. [email protected]

Location: Guy’s Campus. Category: Research.

Job description

We are seeking a Research Assistant at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King’s College London, to join our multidisciplinary team investigating allele-specific gene expression in zebrafish as part of a BBSRC-funded project. In the first 9 months, the position is split between this research project and providing general organisational/technical support for the lab using zebrafish models. In the last 15 months, the position will be dedicated to this research project.  

This post is an exciting opportunity to conduct research at the forefront of molecular genetics and imaging. Work will focus on with zebrafish (embryo injections, behavioural assessment in zebrafish, fish husbandry), genome editing (CRISPR/Cas), molecular biology (plasmid DNA preparation, PCR, in situ hybridization), and maintenance of databases. An important part of the work will be to perform (confocal) fluorescent imaging of zebrafish larvae and subsequent image analysis. 

The post holder is expected to learn new techniques/skills on the job and training will be provided. There will also be extensive training opportunities available from King’s College London. Our Centre is a collegial environment that is committed to supporting the development and advancement of our staff.   

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed term contract for 2 years.

Key responsibilities

Research Project (first 9 months 50%, then 15 months 100%)  

• Generate several transgenic zebrafish reporter lines using CRISPR knock in.  
•  Organise and maintain zebrafish lines, perform genetic crosses, collect zebrafish embryos. 
• Measure fluorescent reporter expression using confocal or light sheet microscopy. 
• Perform image analysis to quantify reporter expression levels using computational methods. 
• Perform behavioural assessment of zebrafish larvae, using standardised tests available.  
• Keep comprehensive and up-to-date laboratory notes, as well as records of data generated and associated analysis. 
• Ensure compliance with Home Office and other regulatory requirements for record keeping.   

Lab management (first 9 month 50%)

•  Provide flexible logistical, technical and organisational support to other lab members.  
• Organise and maintain zebrafish lines, perform genetic crosses, collect zebrafish embryos. 
• Liaise with the Resource Manager for the Centre, to co-ordinate risk assessments, laser safety and to resolve any problems in the building that may affect the group.   
• Write and collate risk assessments for all work in progress and planning for the Hindges group. Ensure all staff in the group read and understand both risk assessments and Codes of Practice.   
• Liaise with the Biological Safety Office for the Centre to ensure project licences are obtained and adhered to for work requiring genetic modification. 
• Provide advice and training in the use of laboratory equipment and basic techniques to visitors, students and staff within the group.   
• Take responsibility for ensuring that the Hindges laboratory area is maintained in a clean and safe condition and to be responsible for the daily, weekly and monthly cleaning rota for the laboratory and all equipment, and the weekly monitoring of the laboratory environment. Organise and monitor systems and rotas for the safe disposal of laboratory waste. 
• Adhere to any COSHH and risk assessment requirements and safe working practices: assume the role of local health and safety officer for the group.   
• Assist with the preparation of orders and other general laboratory administrative tasks. 
• To learn any new techniques as needed for research projects and then be responsible for the training of others in these techniques. 
• Provide technical support for specific projects as required using a broad range of zebrafish, cell biology and molecular biology techniques. 
• Keep comprehensive and up-to-date laboratory notes, as well as records of data generated and associated analysis. 
• Ensure compliance with Home Office and other regulatory requirements for record keeping.  Establish a lab management system that ensures that important biological resources and data are correctly archived. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.       MSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent degree  

2.       Experience in a research laboratory  

3.       Experience in zebrafish husbandry work 

4.       Experience in molecular biology methods 

5.       Knowledge of developmental neuroscience, or related area  

6.       Knowledge of zebrafish genetics  

7.       Good communication skills 

8.       Motivation to work on a research project 

Desirable criteria

1.       Experience in microscopy 

2.       Experience in data/image analysis and statistics 

3.       Experience in coding (Python/Matlab/R) 

4.       Working knowledge of health and safety legislation – COSHH  

5.       Ability to work under reduced supervision  

This post is subject to an Occupational Health Clearance.