GeMS Senior Research Scientist – Transgenic Services

About the role

Within the BRF, the Genetic Modification Services (GeMS) team provides specialist expertise in the production, storage and use of genetically modified animals and cell lines. The team delivers a broad range of services, including molecular biology and CRISPR-based targeting, embryo micromanipulation and transfer, assisted reproductive techniques, cryopreservation and rederivation of rodent and aquatic germplasm, and murine stem cell culture, maintenance, transfection, derivation and characterisation.

As a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist within the GeMS team, you will play a key role in delivering, developing and continuously improving specialist services that support the generation, archiving and use of genetically altered animal models at the Crick. Working closely with the Head of Service, GeMS Senior Managers and Laboratory Research Scientists, you will also build strong collaborative relationships with scientists and colleagues across the Crick, the BRF AND external and partner services.

This is a hands-on scientific leadership role, combining practical laboratory work with responsibility for service development, project management and the supervision and direction of colleagues. You will take ownership of an agreed area of the GeMS service, overseeing delivery, monitoring progress and identifying opportunities to enhance quality, efficiency and capability through protocol development, specialist training and participation in innovative development projects. Where appropriate, you will also provide day-to-day leadership and line management to Laboratory Research Scientists and Laboratory Research Officers, supporting their development and contributing to a positive, collaborative team environment.

A particular focus of this role will be the scientific oversight and delivery of cryopreservation, rederivation and colony management programmes. You will contribute your expertise to ensuring the long-term preservation, health and integrity of genetically altered lines, while helping to develop and refine the approaches and technologies used by the service. You will join an experienced and highly skilled team where your scientific expertise, practical skills and ideas will have a direct impact on the quality and effectiveness of the GeMS service and the research it enables across the Crick.

What you will be doing

These include but are not limited to:

Practical work

• Perform practical work in the areas of genetic modification, cryopreservation and rederivation of laboratory animals.
• Contribute to and keep laboratory records and databases updated

Cryopreservation and rederivation pipelines

• Lead cryopreservation and rederivation activities across the Crick, liaising with colony management services where necessary to ensure the best practice in line with scientific need.
• Oversee planning and delivery of cryopreservation and rederivation projects, monitoring programme performance and identifying bottlenecks.
• Oversee the colony management of colonies undergoing cryopreservation and rederivation, assessing breeding performance and providing advice on strategies for complex lines.

Technical leadership

• Act as a technical expert in rodent assisted reproductive technologies, cryopreservation and genetic manipulation techniques.
• Troubleshoot complex technical and operational challenges, providing specialist support across the team.

Service leadership

• Support scheduling, resource allocation and day-to-day operational management of GeMS activities.
• Assist in the oversight of GeMS projects and service delivery, ensuring work is completed to agreed timelines and quality standards.
• Participate in strategic planning and service development across GeMS.

Health & Safety

• Awareness and promotion of all relevant health and safety guidance and legislation.
• To ensure compliance to appropriate SOPs and risk assessments by all staff.

Information Technology

• Ordering consumables via a computer ordering system, always ensuring value for money and maintaining the budget for that service aspect
• Use of the Colony Management and cryo archive databases, maintaining accurate records for communication, reporting and compliance, ensuring own scientific work or the work of direct reports, is carried out accurately and efficiently, and that legal frameworks are adhered to.

Communication

• Liaising effectively and efficiently with all levels of the Crick staff to ensure projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Communicating effectively to foster and maintain good relationships and collaborations both internally and externally.

About you

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open and collegial.

You will have:

•  A degree, or equivalent in a biological subject, or related science or significant work experience in a relevant area.
• Considerable relevant experience in Murine cryopreservation, ART, and genetic manipulation, including surgical experience, animal husbandry, colony management, project management and scientific service provision with a track record of achievement and demonstrable skill. *
• Thorough understanding of the different genetically modified allele types, their limitations and the breeding strategies appropriate for their use.*
• Proven track record in planning and successful execution of a scientific service or series of experiments to meet demands. *
• Evidence of successful troubleshooting of complex scientific tasks.*
• Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team, demonstrating a flexible and cooperative approach to working with others.
• Experience with working with animal models.

*Minimum criteria

Please see the full job description here.