King's College London

About us

At the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN), we investigate the mechanisms governing the formation of the brain during embryonic development and in early postnatal life. This is based on the understanding that early experience shapes the way our brain is constructed. While the “ground plan” of the brain is genetically determined, it is also influenced by environmental experience. We are still far from a complete understanding of how these processes work.

CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy’s campus. Researchers have access to support facilities in genotyping, molecular biology and Drosophila work. CDN has close partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and CDN researchers, together with clinical researchers from King’s, make up the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

About the role

Applications are invited for the position of a Genotyping Technician (grade 4) in the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN) in the School of Neuroscience, King’s College London. Reporting to the Senior Technical Manager in CDN, the post holder will manage the Centre’s Genotyping Service and contribute to the development and expansion of the service. The post holder will also be part of a team of technicians providing a comprehensive technical service to the Research Centre as required, to ensure efficient daily operations.

The successful candidate should have experience of molecular biology including PCR and genotyping. They should be self-motivated and have the ability to work enthusiastically and effectively as part of a team. 

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an a fixed term contract until 31st December 2026 (this date would be taken from the recruitment request)

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Minimum level 3 qualification, e.g. A levels, AS levels, or other Level 3 qualification, plus experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts. 
2. Previous experience in molecular biology, including PCR and/or genotyping  
3. Knowledge of risk assessments and Health & Safety in a laboratory environment. 
4. Knowledge of general laboratory support and organization. 
5. Computer literate, able to use MS Word and Excel, and ability to learn how to use other programs 
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to prioritise workload. 
7.  Willingness to work occasionally outside normal working hours

Desirable criteria

1. Previous experience of PCR optimisation and primer design
2. Previous experience of experimental process optimisation. 
3. A commitment to professional development such as RSiTech
4. Manual handling training 

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further information 

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

This post is subject to an Occupational Health clearance.