Senior Research Technician

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

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2026

Background

This full-time position (35 hours/week) within the College of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, within the Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education (InHANSE) which sits in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences.

The post is funded for 12 months study and InHANSE is one of the leading research groups internationally in head and neck cancer. Its research portfolio includes translational research (such as biomarker discovery and development, drug development and repurposing) and multi-national, multi-centre clinical trials.

Role Summary

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 Duties

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

• Co-ordinating collection, processing, storage and distribution of clinical trial samples
• Maintaining sample database
• Process samples by
  • Serum separation
  • Buffy coat preparation
  • PBMC isolation
  • DNA/RNA extraction
• Basic molecular biology techniques
• Writing and updating SOPs
• Data handling and management
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students.
• Work to deadlines imposed by the PI or nominee and provide consistent results delivery
• Communicate results to colleagues
• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental laboratories.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• 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.
• 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.
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.

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