Senior Technician

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

About us:

The Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN) focuses on deciphering how neural circuits assemble during development, from neural patterning to synapse formation and plasticity, and how disruption of this process leads to disease. The research in the Centre is based on a variety of model systems, including human in vitro approaches, and is generally structured around three main programmes: Building brains, Circuit Assembly, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy's campus. Researchers have access to core facilities providing dedicated support in genotyping, histology, viral production, cell and tissue cultures, bioinformatics, microscopy and image analysis. The department partners with Medical Research Council (MRC) to make up the world-leading MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

About the role:

To work alongside the Technical Manager (Health & Safety/Operations) and a team of technicians to deliver a comprehensive technical service, ensuring efficient daily operations and Health & Safety compliance within the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology.

Postholder will assist the Technical Manager with day to day operations. Oversee the consumables ordering, equipment maintenance and space allocation.

They will deputise for the Technical Managers during absences to ensure the smooth running of the Centre and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

The post holder will also manage the PPMS system and maintain accurate records.

This is a full time post 35 and you will be offered an indefinite contract.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. BSc in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience or related biological programme and work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts.
2. Previous experience of work in a large research laboratory environment spread across multiple research groups
3. Competency in and firm understanding of basic molecular or biochemical techniques used in biomedical research labs and the necessary waste control.
4. Experience in maintenance of standard equipment and solving technical problems.
5. Clear spoken and written communication skills, with proficient computer use e.g., Microsoft office, and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills
6. Good working knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability.
7. Ability to work proactively within in a team as well as independently
8. Experience in proactive interaction with different groups (engineers, company representatives, security staff) as part of operational tasks and to build relationships and networks

Desirable criteria

1. MSc in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience or related field
2. Knowledge of environmental impacts of laboratory work and an interest in reducing the negative impacts
3. Experience of supervising/advising students on technical issues

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

At King's, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King's guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our 'How we Recruit' pages. Interviews are due to be held within two weeks of closing date