Technician – Tissue Culture & Transformation Team
We have a opening for a technician within our Plant Tissue Culture & Transformation team at The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). The successful applicant will be responsible for the day to day running of the Arabidopsis thaliana transformation programme but will also be involved with other diverse plant transformation projects. This position will appeal to applicants who have a genuine interest in plants and a strong desire to work in a strategic support role within a top research institute.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Tissue Cultuture & Transformation Team manager, the key responsibilities of this post include:
- Organising the sowing of all seed and supervision of the growth of plants.
- Planning of transformations.
- Growing cultures for, and carrying out plant transformations.
- Harvesting, labelling and processing of seed.
- Screening for transformants.
- Maintenance of axenic stock germplasm
- Engagement with other plant transformation projects.
- Other duties as and when required and appropriate to the role
Desired Skills
- Have a genuine interest in plants
- Be very well organised and able to plan ahead.
- Be able to adhere to strict deadlines
- Be able to work as part of a team and alone.
- Be able to keep accurate records and communicate information clearly and legibly
- Have a flair for detail.
- Be willing to learn new procedures and tackle new challenges with enthusiasm
Please note that occasional heavy lifting will be required.
Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate will be expected to work as part of a small team to carry out the above duties. A BSc (2(i)) in biological sciences with emphasis on plant science is desirable. Candidates must have at least 2 years work experience in a plant science research laboratory. Prior experience in plant transformation would be advantageous but training will be given to the successful candidate.
Employment basis: Full-time, indefinite contract subject to 6 month probationary period.
Hours of work: 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, 9.00am to 5.00pm Friday.
Line Management: reporting to the Tissue Culture & Transformation Team Manager
Starting Salary: University East Anglia Grade 5 £25,138 – £28,759 depending on relevant experience
The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) is a world leader in plant and microbial science that is dedicated to making fundamental discoveries in the science of plant- microbe interactions. TSL has expanded its scientific mission not only to continue providing fundamental biological insights into plant-pathogen interactions, but also to deliver novel, genomics-based solutions that will significantly reduce losses from major crop diseases, especially in developing countries.
We offer a generous annual leave allowance, plus 10.5 days Customary and Bank Holidays, a generous pension scheme and the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge. We are located on an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities. We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and we provide a supportive working environment for all colleagues.
Applicants should provide a CV, including the names and contact details of two or more referees, and a covering letter of no more than one A4 addressing the selection criteria.