Your mission
Purpose of Job
The purpose of the job is to provide technical execution and support of in vivo mouse experiments and assist with wet lab activities in the R&D department at MeiraGTx.
Job Description
Work pattern
Please note, this is 12-months fixed-term position providing maternity cover until the current post holder returns to work after maternity leave.
Major Activities
- Performance of animal procedures assessing vision in mouse models of retinal disease on a weekly/daily basis depending on the individual project. Procedures cover but are not limited to electroretinography (ERG), ocular imaging (SLO, OCT) and visual behavior tests.
- Drug administration including gavage, intraperitoneal (IP), intravenous (IV) and intraocular delivery.
- Tissue collection and tissue processing for histological and molecular analysis.
- Maintenance of animal stocks involving management of breeding, collection of ear clips and genotyping.
- Stock-checking, ordering and restocking of laboratory consumables.
- Arranging regular deliveries and shipments of samples and consumables between labs.
- Assisting in developing and drafting of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Additional Activities- The post-holder will be expected to carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job and the R&D team
Key Performance Indicators
- Completion of tasks and experiments within provided timelines & budget
Key Job Competencies
- Extensive, hands-on experience with mouse models of disease and the ability to work on different projects in a fast-paced environment.
- The ability to follow set procedures with a keen eye for detail and a genuine passion to work with animals and their welfare.
- Motivation - sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence.
- Planning/Organizing - prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives.
- Professionalism - approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
- Oral Communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates good presentation skills; participates effectively in meetings.
- Written Communication - writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; able to read and interpret written information.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement at the individual, department, and organizational levels.
- A flexible and cooperative approach with the ability to adapt to changing work demands and a willingness to work in and travel to two different sites in Central London (majority of animal work performed in a BSU in North London; on occasions travel to the wet labs located in Old Street).
- Experience with ophthalmic mouse procedures (e.g. ERGs, retina dissection) and basic molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCRs) to support the R&D wet-lab activities would be advantageous but is not a requirement, practical training for specific experimental procedures will be provided.
Job Responsibilities
- Proficient performance of mouse procedures and in vivo experiments in line with agreed timelines and the 3Rs.
- Accurate data collection and maintenance of records, both written and electronic, to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Support of animal breeding and regular genotyping of the existing mouse colonies
- Assist in the performance of routine maintenance of the procedure rooms and wet labs
- Support ordering of consumables and stock checking
- Completion of tasks within provided budget & timelines
Job background
- A levels or BTech in any Science/Biological subjects.
- Current holder of home office-approved animal license (PIL A, B), PIL C is preferred but not required.
- At least 2-3 years experience of working with laboratory animals, preferably with mice.
- Experience of working in a CRO environment is advantageous but not required.
Why us?