Animal Technician

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.

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 behaviour 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.

· Experience with ophthalmic mouse procedures and basic molecular & cell biology techniques (e.g. PCRs, cell/tissue culture) to support the R&D wet-lab activities would be advantageous but is not a requirement as training will be provided

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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

· At least 2-3 years experience of working with laboratory animals, preferably with mice and preferably from working at acontract research organization (CRO).

· 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.