Research Technician (FORMA/Oxford)
The University of Oxford has recently established a research partnership with FORMA Therapeutics to advance the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (see here). As one of the founding partners in the FORMA/Oxford collaboration, the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit (MRC BNDU) will contribute through leveraging its leading expertise in high-resolution in vivo phenotyping of rodent models of neurodegenerative diseases. The MRC BNDU is now seeking to appoint a Research Technician to work as part of this exciting collaboration at the interface between academia and industry.
This Research Technician will provide specialist technical support and conduct original research as part of a project that is designed to elucidate the function/dysfunction of vulnerable neurons in rodent models of neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on experimental Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to having a B.Sc. or equivalent qualification in a relevant area of biological research, candidates should have a track record in laboratory technician work and/or research experience in the field of neuroscience. The post holder will be required to assist with experiments in rodents, and to facilitate the daily running of the host laboratory. Candidates are expected to be able to work as part of a group and independently, and to have excellent communication and time-management skills.
The post holder will be part of the Magill Group based at the MRC BNDU, University of Oxford. The Group has a strong track record in studying the functional organization of the basal ganglia and partner neuronal networks in rodents, including in models of Parkinson’s disease. The Group use transdisciplinary approaches to elucidate the function and dysfunction of these brain circuits, employing innovative techniques to monitor and manipulate neurons and to determine their influence on behaviour. The proposed research will take full advantage of the intellectual environment, capital equipment, technical expertise and excellent infrastructure in place in the MRC BNDU. There will be ample opportunity to work in partnership with other scientists in the FORMA/Oxford collaboration as well as with other Unit Groups.
This is a full-time fixed-term post of 24 months in the first instance, with an initial probationary period, to start as soon as possible. This post is a University Grade 6 (06S) position with a starting salary of between £29,098 and £33,518 per annum. The post holder will be contractually required to undertake business critical work outside of core working days for the equivalent of 2 days per month. Owing to the nature of this position, any offer of employment with the University will be subject to a satisfactory security screening.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Professor Magill.
Applications must be made via the University of Oxford’s online recruitment system, using Vacancy ID 135275.
The closing date for applications for this post is 12 midday UK time on Wednesday 11th July 2018.
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