Laboratory Support
We ensure the smooth running of the laboratory and provide numerous scientific services to the TSL research groups, including media preparation, plate pouring, autoclaving and seed processing. We manage and maintain core scientific equipment within the laboratory, provide IT desktop support to all TSL staff and maintain computers attached to laboratory equipment.
Group leader
Simon Foster
Bio
As Laboratory manager for The Sainsbury Laboratory I am responsible for oversight of the Laboratory Support team who service the TSL research environment and support the research groups. My responsibilities include management of the laboratory support teams, maintenance of cutting-edge scientific equipment, implementation of new technologies, negotiation with suppliers and compliance with Health and Safety, radioactivity and hazardous chemicals regulations.
I have a background in laboratory research, specifically in the field of plant-pathogen interactions. Most recently my research concerned the cloning of resistance genes against Phytophthora infestans (late blight of potato). During 2010-2012 I was responsible for overseeing the running of a field trial of GM potatoes, the purpose of which was to test the efficacy of the cloned Rpi-vnt1 gene.
I have also worked on molecular aspects of important host/pathogen systems, including work on fungal pathogens of oilseed rape (Pyrenopeziza brassicae, Leptosphaeria maculans), barley (Rhynchosporium secalis) and perennial ryegrass (Epichloë festucae).
