Laboratory Technician in Next Generation Sequencing of Musculoskeletal Tissues

Laboratory Technician in Next Generation Sequencing of Musculoskeletal Tissues

Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD

186906 - Laboratory Technician in Next Generation Sequencing of Musculoskeletal Tissues Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) Grade 6: Salary in the range of £35,681 £37,338 per annum. This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year. This is a full time (100% FTE), fixed term position 12 months. Applications for part time with a minimum on 60% FTE will be considered.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) is part of the Medical Sciences Division and is the largest European academic department in its field, running a globally competitive programme of research and teaching.

The Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences enables and encourages research and education into the causes of musculoskeletal disease and their treatment. The Centre provides world class facilities for scientists in the field of musculoskeletal research.

The UK Research and Innovation Musculoskeletal Functional Genomics Initiative Cluster (MSK Cluster) is led by Professor Dominic Furniss and began in May 2024. This is one of four Functional Genomics clusters in the UK that have been funded by UKRI to accelerate the translation of genetic results into tangible benefits for patients. Alongside the core aim to deliver improved treatments for musculoskeletal disease, there is also a strong commitment to training and public engagement.

What We Offer

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic individual for the role of research technician specialising in next generation sequencing and imaging. Your work will help to accelerate translation of genetic findings to treat four key musculoskeletal diseases: osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, and Dupuytren disease. In this role you will be responsible for the development and implementation of standardised protocols for patient blood and tissue sample processing for nucleic acid extraction or imaging. You will liaise with teams across the Functional Genomics setting to ensure adequate samples are available for sequencing as well as teaching experimental techniques to new laboratory members and providing supervision of new lab members within the laboratory. You will be responsible for managing DNA and RNA extraction from human blood and tissue samples prior to genotyping, methylation and transcriptome analysis.

About You

You will hold a BSc or MSc in biological science or equivalent experience together with previous laboratory experience of methods including nucleic acid extraction from tissues and immunohistochemistry as well as next generation sequencing library preparation. You will have the ability to work co operatively as part of a team, as well as independently while taking personal responsibility for assigned tasks. You will demonstrate basic computing skills, including use of Microsoft Word and Excel together with the ability to learn and develop new techniques, and to troubleshoot them. You will be able to clearly demonstrate the ability to keep extensive and detailed records that comply with necessary legislation (e.g. the human tissue act). Experience in training individuals in laboratory techniques as well as experience of basic analysis of sequencing or spatial mapping data are desirable.