Contact information
DRWF Human Islet Isolation Facility, OCDEM, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE
Jared Firth
MSc
Research Technician in Islet Isolation
I provide technical support for the clinical and research operations within the Oxford Consortium for Islet Transplantation (OXCIT). A major part of my role is assisting with the islet isolation process; I prepare solutions, set up surgical equipment, run endotoxin tests, count islets, and provide an extra pair of hands. When not isolating, I work in the lab supporting a range of projects that aim to increase the effectiveness of islet transplantation.
I also oversee inventory of consumable equipment and chemicals, assist in recordkeeping and database management, monitor laboratory pressures and temperatures, and help to ensure that the lab meets environmental monitoring standards. My overarching goal is to continually optimise the technical procedures within the lab.
I have a Master of Biology degree from Durham University. My previous project was neuroscience-based and involved modelling Parkinson’s Disease using methamphetamine-treated Drosophila melanogaster, hence I am new to both the islet-world and Oxford!