OUR PLACEMENTS

Placement summary

Dundee based Micromatrices Associates have an excellent 12 month placement opportunity for a talented Life Sciences Graduate to get involved in a project which is aimed at the development of methodologies for analysing biological endpoints in spheroid cell culture arrays.

Job description

Project Description

Spheroid cell cultures are being developed as an alternative to 2D cell culture systems, as cells in 3D better mirror the behaviour of cells in vivo. MicroMatrices is developing capabilities for efficient screening of spheroids within an array.

Placement Objectives

To assist in the scientific and commercial development of prototype testing services for the MicroMatrices' proprietary spheroid array system.

Role Description

Main Tasks:

• Assist in producing the spheroid arrays
• Test different spheroid types with the arrays
• Participate in the adaptation of histological tests to the arrays for various biological endpoints
• Investigations with the spheroids may include image analysis, assessing the use of mass spec proteomics for identifying biomarkers
• Responsibility for carefully documenting all investigations and results in project lab books
• If investigations form part of a commercial contract, you will produce reports on these activities for clients
• You will also assist in the delivery of other MicroMatrices contract services as required

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in Life Sciences would be ideal for the role

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

• Biological laboratory experience
• Good understanding of mammalian cell biology
• Excellent technical skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Adaptability to changing priorities, as well as versatility and flexibility in your approach to problem solving
• As the preparation of formal reports for clients is a key responsibility, you must demonstrate excellent written English skills

Desirable Skills

• Experience with histological techniques and image analysis
• Familiarity with or interest in marketing/customer relations

Benefits

Company benefits

You will have the opportunity to develop new scientific experience as well as gain industrial experience by participating in an innovative commercialisation project within a focused, dynamic company serving multinational pharmaceutical and agrochemical clients.

We are located close to the campus and facilities of the University of Dundee and Dundee; free parking.

Placement benefits

As part of the ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme, you may have access to a tailored graduate business skills training course. ScotGrad placements also offer a unique opportunity to connect with a vast network of graduates and ScotGrad alumni. All graduates appointed through the programme are encouraged to make use of the ScotGrad LinkedIn group to communicate with other ScotGrad participants, learn about any professional development opportunities and build up a professional network.

Additional information

Location: Dundee

Planned interview date: TBC

Preferred start date: 11th July 2016

Company information

MicroMatrices (www.micromatrices.com) is an established contract research company with a focus on investigative and mechanistic toxicology, as well as in the development of novel technologies to support and advance toxicological research. This is an opportunity to play a key role within a company committed to providing innovative, customised solutions to our clients’ efficacy/safety investigations.

Company website: http://www.micromatrices.com/