BRF Research Scientist (Surgical)

BRF Research Scientist (Surgical)

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions

Reports to: BRF Senior Research Scientist - Surgical Services

Summary

The Francis Crick Institute (the Crick) is a partnership between the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the Wellcome Trust, University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and Kings College London. It is a registered charity whose purpose is to conduct biomedical research into all aspects of human health and disease.

The institute is a world-leading centre of biomedical research and innovation. It promotes connections between researchers and disciplines and between academic institutions, healthcare organisations and businesses. Dedicated to research excellence, the institute will have the scale, vision and expertise to tackle the most challenging scientific questions underpinning health and disease.

The BRF operates under the jurisdiction of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. A multi-layer licensing system ensures the appropriate use of animals in a research setting, and enshrines in law the necessity of justification, ethical review, and humane practices.

Organisation

This role will be located within the Surgical Services Core, which sits within the remit of the Experimental Operations and Education and Training teams. The BRF supports researchers by providing expertise and training in all aspects of animal work, with particular focus on welfare and the 3Rs: reduction of animals in research, refinement of procedures to reduce negative impact on the animals, and replacement of animals where possible altogether.

The Surgical Service is expected to provide advice & training on best practice in a variety of surgical techniques. In addition, they will be expected to provide surgical support and complete provision of surgical techniques where appropriate to assist in ensuring best animal welfare in surgery & therefore reliability & reproduction of scientific research.

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

• To participate across all areas of the Surgical service, specialising in key skills. Assisting other members of the team to achieve the delivery of specialist services that support scientific research at the Crick.
• Working closely with the Surgical Services Core Lead, assisting in the day-to-day management and provision of the service.
• To train and supervise other members of the team & members of the research community at the Crick in best practice in surgical techniques.
• To maintain records of their work for communication, for reporting and compliance.
• To report on the outcome of their work, collaborating with the wider team to address problems and make changes and improvements.
• To develop a considerable knowledge base across all aspects of this work helping to improve and update techniques and protocols.
• To carry out any other reasonable request from the Surgical Services Core Lead.

Key experience and competencies

Essential

• Will have achieved either of the following qualifications or greater:
  • Registered Veterinary Nurse
  • Personal Licence Holder under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, Category C
• Experience of performing small animal surgery and procedures under prolonged general anaesthesia.
• Experience with microscopy and surgical/micromanipulation equipment.
• Experience of conducting aseptic procedures.
• Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team.
• Experience of customer service.
• Ability to work independently, problem solve, maintain good records & work flexibly & proactively.
• Experience with or willingness to work on animal models.

Desirable

• Further qualification (preferably a subject relevant degree).
• Experience in providing effective training in surgical procedures.
• Experience in assessment of competence.

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status.