Crop Science Centre Senior Platform Technician (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a Senior Platform technician to work with Dr Soumpourou, Platform Manager for the Crop Science Centre. The Crop Science Centre which opened in October 2020 benefits from the diverse skills and expertise of the University of Cambridge and NIAB, providing an environment for research excellence in crops, with the drive and expertise for scientific translation to address real-world problems. About 60 staff and students are located at the Centre.

The successful candidate will be joining a vibrant and interactive group of researchers and professional service staff and work with the CSC Platforms Manager to provide genomic services to researchers at the Crop Science Centre (CSC) and working in the international project Engineering the Nitrogen Symbiosis for Africa (ENSA). Platform operations will include the delivery of multi- gene DNA assemblies in Agrobacterium from synthesized modules using Golden Gate and the genetic selection of plant lines including nucleic acid purification from leaf material for genotyping, copy-number determination, and gene-expression analysis.

The role holder will work with the CSC Platform Manager, the Senior Research Assistant and the other 3 laboratory technicians to provide genomic services to researchers at the Crop Science Centre (CSC) and working in the international project Engineering the Nitrogen Symbiosis for Africa (ENSA). The platforms serve to create and characterize genetically-engineered plant lines from the design of DNA constructs to the characterization of homozygous engineered and CRISPR edited plant lines. platform service environment, preparing media stocks and sterile working practices (bacteria or plant tissue culture) is essential. Practical experience in performing high-throughput DNA extractions as well as preparing AGL1 and DH5a competent cells would be advantageous. Experience in lab management such as maintaining and servicing lab equipment and/or organizing procurement of lab consumables would be desirable.

The role holder will develop protocols, troubleshoot techniques and deliver projects supporting the research teams in DNA construct assembly and plant genotyping. The Senior Platform Technician will also work with another Platform Technician to support the daily operation of the platforms and contribute to the general running of the CSC laboratory.

The role holder will also be required to develop PCR, TaqMan assays, optimize construct assembly designs, develop restriction digest profiles and undertake routine Sanger sequencing. The role holder will also enhance the throughput and efficiency of the platforms by implementing protocols for DNA extraction, PCR set up and sequencing using automated liquid handling equipment.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the research programme of individual postdoctoral researchers.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

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Please quote reference PD39983 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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