ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH: SCIENCE DIVISION
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
in Molecular Biology
£12,064-£22,100
The RBGE is the National Botanic Garden of Scotland and is a scientific
institution of international importance for research on the world flora,
the systematics, evolution, conservation and biodiversity of plants. It
has large and important collections of living and preserved plants and
fungi, an outstanding library, and modern central laboratory facilities
managed by the Scientific and Technical Services (STS) Department.
An experienced technician is required in the STS Department for the day
to day running of the Plant Molecular Systematics Laboratory. Main
duties include supervision of the Molecular Laboratory, offering advice
and training to users (staff, students and visitors) on molecular
techniques and use of equipment, implementing Health and Safety
(including Radiation Protection) policy, and controlling the centralised
stocks of consumables in the Molecular Laboratory. Further, the
postholder (1) provides technical support to molecular systematic
projects, (2) deputises for the part-time Laboratory Manager in
supervising the General Laboratory, (3) provides technical support to
practicals and demonstrations in the MSc teaching laboratory and (4) is
responsible for maintaining a small collection of algal cultures. There
is also some scope for collaborative research by the postholder. This is
a full-time, permanent post and will attract a salary in the range of
£12,064-£22,100 p.a. plus non-contributory pension.
Candidates should have a degree in molecular genetics, plant
biotechnology or a related field, and have a minimum of three years
experience in plant DNA extraction methods, PCR amplification, automatic
DNA sequencing, and plant cell or algal culture techniques. Computer
literacy (especially in a Macintosh environment) is essential, and
experience with modern gene cloning techniques, radioactive methods
(e.g. autoradiography) and an interest in the application of molecular
techniques to phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of plants would be useful.
Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Hans Sluiman, Head of Scientific
and Technical Services, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith
Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR (telephone +44 131 2482840, fax +44 131 2482901;
email: h.sluiman at rbge.org.uk).
Applications, including a full CV and the names and addresses of three
references, should be sent to the Personnel Department at the same
address by 26 February 1999.