Research Technician

Job title:

Research Technician

Company:

University College London

Job description

About usBiosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.This is an exciting opportunity to join an international team of researchers on an ERC UK Horizon Europe Guarantee-funded project that will explore how natural selection shapes the evolution of memory, led by Professor Elli Leadbeater. The research technician will be based at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, and the role will sit within both the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research and the Centre for Life’s Origins and Evolution.About the roleThe main purpose of the role will be to provide technical support for experimental evolution projects aiming to understand the evolution of long term memory in the fruit fly. This will include management and maintenance of fruit fly lines, behavioural assays, and husbandry. The research technician will be an active member of the research group and assist in executing the research programme in order to meet the overall objectives of the project. They will work under the supervision of a postdoctoral research assistant and the PI, but will be expected to work independently and provide input into the design and execution of experiments. The role holder will provide technical support and research related activities by assisting with lab organization, experimental procedures and analysis of results. They will have specialized knowledge relevant for the project’s research area. They will work closely with other users of the facility, liaising with them to cover husbandry tasks and to maintain the day-to-day functioning of the laboratory. They will also play a key role within the team in terms of implementing laboratory safety and sustainability requirements, and be enthusiastic about attending research meetings and providing input into experimental design where appropriate.This role has funding for three years from the date of employment. The start date is flexible but should be before September 2025.A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.If you have any queries about the role, please contact Professor Elli Leadbeater: [email protected].If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator at [email protected] stating the advert reference in the subject line.About youThe successful candidate must hold either a degree qualification or an HND qualification at level 5, in a relevant area. Relevant experience of working with and breeding insect models in a research environment is essential, and previous experience with Drosophila and/or other insect breeding protocols would be a significant advantage. An ability to follow instructions meticulously, recognising problems when they arise and proposing solutions is essential.The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about working with a diverse range of researchers, willing to participate in outreach and communication-based events, and be a collegiate member of the project team. The ability to keep meticulous records of lab work and well-annotated computer code is crucial to the smooth running of this project. Strong project management skills will be essential to the punctual delivery and reporting of project milestones. The role may sometimes, but not regularly, involve out-of-hours working and responding to unforeseen circumstances that compromise insect welfare, as is the nature of working with live animals.What we offerAs well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)

• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme

• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)

• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

• Immigration loan and expenses

• Relocation scheme for certain posts

• On-Site nursery

• On-site gym

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

• Discounted medical insurance

Visit to find out more.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.Our division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here:Available documents

Expected salary

Location

North West London

Job date

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:24:34 GMT

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