Research Technician

Are you an early career researcher looking for a challenge? Do you have a background in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Genetics or Behavioural Studies? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?

Our laboratory is a newly established research group within Faculty of Biological Sciences, home to more than 100 research groups across a thriving interdisciplinary research environment. We use C. elegans (nematode worms) and state-of-the-art automated imaging and computer vision platforms to investigate important questions about how genetic mutations alter behaviour and identify potential new treatments for genetic diseases. Our primary focus is on epilepsy, where we aim to uncover disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic strategies. However, we have also successfully applied the same research methods to study more than 100 rare genetic disorders, providing a powerful platform for therapeutic discovery across a broad spectrum of human disease.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Research Technician to join our group studying epilepsy and develop engineered scaffold proteins (Adhirons) for the treatment of these. Funded as part of a Wellcome Trust award to Dr. O’Brien, this project will generate worm “patient avatars” of human epilepsy (strains containing mutations similar to those seen in patients) that will be used in the high-throughput discovery and development of disease treatments. This project will make extensive use of our bespoke high-throughput imaging platform, automated computer vision pipeline and structural peptide engineering approaches to discover how epilepsy manifests and deliver a truly unique class of anti-epilepsy therapeutics.

As an integral member of the laboratory, you will support cutting-edge research through maintaining C. elegans strains, protein expression and purification, behavioural phenotyping (tracker operation) and laboratory management. You will also undertake a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques in support of the project. A good general understanding of molecular, cellular or structural biology is essential. Experience working with C. elegans and/or computational approaches to biological data analysis would be advantageous.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
• And much more!

Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role is not suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants.

Information on other visa options is available at: www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Tom O’Brien, Wellcome Trust Research Fellow and Group Leader

Email: T.J.Obrien@leeds.ac.uk

or

Amelia Lesiuk, Lead Technician in Molecular & Cellular Biology

Email: A.Lesiuk@leeds.ac.uk 

Further details: Candidate brief

£29,588 to £33,002 per annum (Grade 5)