About the Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic research technician with molecular biology skills to join a small team studying plant cell biology. We have several projects focused on how plant organelles and the cytoskeleton are organised during different developmental contexts. We routinely perform a variety of molecular biology techniques, plant transformation and live-cell imaging and corresponding image analysis.
You will work closely with the group leader and PhD students and would be recognised as a contributor on the work you support.
About the group
You will join the McKenna group in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick. The candidate will work in a team of scientists and collaborate with group members to make discoveries. Regular opportunities will be provided for presentation of the candidate's work, together with bespoke career-mentoring. The McKenna lab shares lab space with the groups of Professor Lorenzo Frigerio, Professor Murray Grant and Professor Richard Napier and we frequently share resources and, expertise.
Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to Joe McKenna (joe.mckenna@warwick.ac.uk).
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).
About You
We are looking for someone to provide technical support to PhD researchers and the principal investigator undertaking research projects. The successful candidate will be required to perform various routine and higher-level molecular biology techniques in the lab including cloning (PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, restriction reactions, ligation reactions, Goldengate assembly, bacterial transformation and culture, plasmid purification, and Sanger sequencing), genotyping (collecting material, genomic DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis), genetic transformations, as well as general plant husbandry. Opportunities are available for the individual to perform live-cell imaging and protein biochemistry techniques as required.
The ideal candidate would have competency in a range of multidisciplinary molecular biology techniques including cloning (for example, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, restriction digests and ligation, Golden Gate assembly, bacterial transformation and culture, plasmid prep), and routine genotyping from sample collection through gDNA extraction to PCR, genetic transformations, cell imaging and protein biochemistry, as well as general plant husbandry of Arabidopsis and N. benthamiana.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is genuinely curious about the science, engages with the current lab research and with plant cell biology more broadly, and is motivated to develop their own expertise over the course of the role.
Closing Date: Thursday 29 October 2026, 11:59pm (UK)
Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the 'Apply' button.
£31,236 to £34,610 per annum