"Senior Research Technician"

Job Summary

This full-time position (35 hours/week) within the College of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, within the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences supporting the research work of Professor Aga Gambus and Dr Marco Saponara.

The post is funded by BBSRC for 3 years and will be supporting delivery of the study of activity of UHRF1 protein in chromatin replication, mostly in Okazaki fragments maturation. The appointed post holder will be working with cell free system of Xenopus laevis egg extract. The post holder will therefore be expected to obtain a personal home office license for work with amphibia.

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise a number of technical staff but even where you do not directly supervise staff you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.

You will need an in-depth understanding of the techniques and experimental protocols. Experience of cancer cell models would be preferable. You will be able to use your in-depth knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures.

In order to flexibly use resource, you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the Institute or College or wider university.

Main Responsibilities

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

• Protein purification including protein extraction from E. coli and insect cells
• Protein biochemistry: Ubiquitylation reactions, replication reactions in Xenopus laevis egg extract
• Xenopus laevis egg extract preparation
• Radioactive assays using 32P
• Basic molecular biology techniques: Western blotting, DNA cloning, Gel electrophoresis
• Writing and updating SOPs
• Data handling and management

Person Specification

• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods stated above
• Extensive proven experience of similar laboratory based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment
• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team