The role of the molecular biology technician is to perform molecular and other diagnostic tests dedicated to the diagnosis of diseases within our living collections and for our zoo-based conservation teams. This would involve validating and running in-house diagnostic tests such as qPCR, serum electrophoresis, ELISA, LAMP, and others as required. The role will also include administering databases, managing sample archives, organising the receipt and dispatch of potentially CITES-listed samples locally and internationally and, where required, assisting with postmortem examinations. The role will potentially involve training MSc project students in running assays.
The molecular biology technician will play a critical role in enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of our institution, focusing on both living collections and zoo-based conservation efforts.
This position is strategically designed to significantly bolster WHS's capacity for rapid and reliable disease diagnosis in both living and deceased animals, particularly in the monitoring of elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses. By enabling fortnightly testing of all elephants, the role ensures timely detection and intervention in the event of an outbreak. Furthermore, it will facilitate the in-house development of diagnostic tests, reducing costs and turnaround times, while also enabling the creation of tests for diseases without commercial diagnostic options. Ultimately, this role will drive both the speed and precision of our diagnostic processes, advancing WHS’s contribution to wildlife health and conservation.
Key responsibilities: 
- To perform molecular and other diagnostic tests for the Wildlife Health Services department; this may include clinical, pathological and microbiological samples for clinical or research purposes.
- To conduct and, in concert with collaborators, develop molecular diagnostic assays on samples collected from animals held in ZSL’s conservation zoos and possibly elsewhere. This will involve DNA and RNA extraction, conventional PCR, real-time PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR, and interpretation of sequence data.
- To keep detailed records to ensure work is authorised, traceable and reproducible.
- To undertake general laboratory duties including, for example, stock-taking, ordering of consumables and maintaining clean working conditions and adhering to standard operating procedures.
- To develop and maintain up to date and accurate databases of samples and results, and to record results and collate information for reports in a timely manner