Senior Research Technician

University of Warwick - School of Life Sciences

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Branko Rhitman (Assistant Professor) at b.rhitman.1@warwick.ac.uk.

Applications are invited for a Senior Research Technician position in the Rihtman Lab at the University of Warwick.

In this role, you will contribute to an exciting BBSRC-funded project using functional metagenomics to discover novel phage-encoded proteins with anti-biofilm activities.

This research targets Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, a major challenge in cystic fibrosis and other chronic infections.

Lab duties will include constructing viral metagenomic libraries from environmental and clinical samples, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extractions, and basic bioinformatic analyses.

All laboratory work will be conducted in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) environment, requiring strict adherence to biosafety protocols and health and safety procedures when working with opportunistic pathogens.

The Senior Research Technician will contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory by overseeing equipment maintenance and supporting required repairs, providing training for new lab members including project students, ordering consumables, and ensuring both chemical disposal and health and safety standards are maintained.

As our laboratory is developing this new research direction, the role is considered dynamic and would suit a candidate who is excited to play both a leading and supporting role in establishing novel methodologies. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive environment, so encourage you to apply even if your past experience does not match exactly. Further, some training on desirable skills will be provided and there is some scope to tailor the position towards candidate strengths.

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.

Contract type

• This role is a part-time, fixed-term contract at 0.5 FTE (18.25 hours per week), funded by a BBSRC Fellowship, and with an expected start date of 01 February 2026 for a duration of 36 months.
• Applications at 0.6 FTE (21.9 hours per week) for a duration for 30 months will also be considered.