Research Technician

University of Birmingham - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Salary:

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £27,166 to £28,768, with potential progression once in post to £32,145

Contract Type:

Fixed Term contract up to June 2026

Role Summary

You will provide daily support tasks for the group. You will provide technical support for research activities as required, utilising your technical skills and a wide range of techniques. You may occasionally be required to be flexible in your working pattern. You will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. 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

The role holder will provide support for the research undertaken by Professor Beggs using a variety of laboratory techniques and administrative techniques to include, but not exclusively:

• Processing of samples in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, including blood, faeces and tissue samples such as:
  • Ensuring the paperwork and samples match and entering them onto a LIMS system
  • Spin bloods and remove plasma, buffy coast and whole blood as required by the individual trial
  • Place faecal material into required storage buffers and record information
  • Store formaldehyde fixed paraffin embedded and fresh material in accordance with individual trial protocols
  • Extract nucleic acids from all samples as required by individual trials and quantify
  • Perform library preparation for next generation sequencing
• Maintaining accurate records on LIMS systems and updating laboratory records in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
• 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.

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.
• A good working knowledge, plus practical experience, of Good Laboratory Practice is desirable
• Experience of working in a laboratory based research environment is desirable.
• 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.

Informal enquiries to Carol Benham, email: c.a.benham@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above:

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working