Research Technician - School of BiosciencesGrade 4
Research Technician - School of BiosciencesGrade 4
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
£ 27166 - 28768
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Position Details
School of Biosciences
Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range 27166 to 28768 with potential progression once in post to 32145
Grade: 4
Part Time (28 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to October 2027
Closing date: 15th July 2025
Background
The post holder will provide both general and specialised technical research assistance to Dr Yun Fans team contributing significantly to Dr Fans BBSRC-funded research on the regulation of apoptosis-induced cell proliferation. In addition to supporting the general maintenance of the laboratory including ensuring a regular supply of essential consumables (e.g. solutions media tips plates) and maintaining critical Drosophila stocks the post holder will under Dr Fans direct supervision carry out genetic analyses using Drosophila models. This will involve a range of methods including tissue dissection immunohistochemistry molecular biology biochemistry and microscopy. The post is based in the School of Biosciences College of Life and Environmental Sciences where Dr Fan and his research group are located.
Role Summary
You will provide technical support for research activities as required utilising your technical skills and a wide range of will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate research activity. In order to flexibly use resource you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.
Main Duties
Research duties
- You will be responsible for maintenance of laboratory Drosophila stocks in appropriate good health conditions and with careful record keeping.
- You will be assisting with making fly-food if required and its associated tasks should the need arise.
- Carry out techniques and experimental procedures as required by research staff students and Principal Investigators designed to contribute to a specific research project or projects.
- You will be expected to resolve problems in your area of expertise but also to recognise when problems need to be referred to more senior staff.
- You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out and of any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
- Comply with any legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
- Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for the activity.
- Demonstrate techniques to other staff and/or students on the area of expertise as required.
- You will contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.
Health and Safety
- You will be expected to uphold compliance with all University and local Health & Safety policies including risk assessments and manual handling reporting any breaches or non-compliance to the relevant manager.
- You will be expected to manage the safe handling and disposal of all materials used in research laboratories including hazardous materials.
- If required assist or prepare risk assessments and keep these up to date.
- You will need to maintain all records as appropriate.
- Carry out regular maintenance processes as appropriate.
Administrative duties
- You may be required to assist with PAT testing and calibration of equipment and with updating equipment inventories.
- Maintain stocks of consumables and if necessary creating purchase order requisitions.
- Receipt and correct storage of consumables and chemical reagents.
- Ensure that the facilities are maintained in a clean functional and safe condition reporting any problems.
- Reporting any problems with equipment or services which cannot be resolved to the line manager as appropriate.
- Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures where practicable.
- Supports equality and values diversity moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post holder.
Required Knowledge Skills Qualifications Experience
- NVQ BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent level three qualification and specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject.
- GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
- Practical experience of Drosophila geneticsand a working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice.
- Experience of working in a laboratory based teaching or research environment; or be able to demonstrate the capability to participate in research projects.
- Ability to organise and manage own workload after consultation with manager.
- Familiarity with the use of a wide range of general laboratory equipment e.g. balances pH meters autoclaves glass washing machines microscopes.
- Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters together with the communication skills to interact with a range of people including students.
- Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines.
- The post holder will be fully familiar with the safe handling and storage of laboratory materials.
- Good IT skills having a familiarity with both Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS will be advantageous.
- Understands the importance ofequality and diversity in the workplace.
- Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.
Dimensions
You will have no direct line management responsibility (other than occasional instructions to other staff) and no budget to manage.
Planning and Organising
You will be able to schedule and organise your own work within the priorities and requirements for the area.
Problem Solving and decision making
You will deliver a level of service as agreed carrying out daily research support as will be expected to assist in analysis and interpretation of research results.
Internal and External relationships
This role is primarily concerned with advising and supporting research staff.
Informal enquiries to Dr. Yun Fan email:
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Part-Time
