Laboratory Technician

This opportunity has arisen from The Moonshot R&D Programme grant titled “Development of new-generation medical care systems through customizing sleep and hibernation” awarded to The University of Tsukuba, Japan (https://wpi-iiis.tsukuba.ac.jp/news/1468/), in collaboration with The University of Oxford. This post will be based at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG), South Parks Road, Oxford.

The project that will be undertaken in DPAG will use Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) as an experimental animal model. The overall aim of this project is to investigate the relationship between the state of torpor and sleep-wake states in hamsters, using a combination of behavioural, metabolic and electrophysiogical approaches. The animals will be kept under short and a long photoperiod and monitored continuously using video and thermal imaging cameras. Behavioural experiments will consist in a battery of standard rodent tests, and in some animals’ chronic sleep monitoring combined with home-cage based indirect calorimetry will be undertaken.

The post holder will be a member of the group of Dr Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, and will be responsible for carrying out various activities related to this project, including hamster colony maintenance, conducting experiments and administrative support.

The key responsibilities of the post holder will include managing the breeding colony of hamsters, prepare and update basic operating procedures, protocols, COSHH sheets and other documentation, ensure smooth day-to-day running of the laboratory, e.g. by maintaining equipment is working condition, monitoring and ordering stock of laboratory consumables and chemicals, plan and conduct experiments and data curation, processing samples, assist with inductions and training of colleagues or students, liaise with Vets, NACWOs and support staff in the Biomedical Services Building, as required to ensure adherence to existing policies and best practice of animal experimentation.

They must have education to at least BSc or equivalent qualification in science and have experience of working in laboratory environment, including with laboratory animals and hazardous chemicals. The successful applicant is expected to have very good organisational, verbal and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm about research, and interest to participate in experiments and contribute to publications.

The post is available immediately and will be based in the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QU.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, vladyslav.vyazovskiy@dpag.ox.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications is midday on Monday 6th March.

Interviews are likely to be held on the week beginning 13th March.

Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.

We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. – DPAG Statement of Inclusion