Research Technician - Biobank (2 posts)

University of Leicester School of Business; Leicester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading institution as a Research Technician at the Becky Mayer Centre for Phage Research. Contribute to groundbreaking research in bacteriophage science, supporting the development of a national BioBank. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance understanding of phage-bacteria interactions and support antimicrobial research. Ideal candidates will have a strong microbiology background and laboratory experience, with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Generous leave allowance

Opportunities for career development

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience in culturing bacteria and phage isolation.
• Experience in a Biosafety Level 2 environment.

Responsibilities

• Support isolation and characterisation of bacteriophages.
• Maintain stocks of bacterial and phage cultures.
• Prepare samples for DNA sequencing.

Skills

Microbiology

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Technical or scientific qualification to ONC/NVQ3 level or higher

Tools

DNA library preparation

LIMS systems

Linux-based computing environments

Job description

About The Role

Are you passionate about microbiology and excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in bacteriophage science? Join our dynamic team as a Research Technician at the Becky Mayer Centre for Phage Research, where you’ll play a key role in developing and maintaining a national Bacteriophage BioBank.

As a Research Technician, you will support the isolation and characterisation of bacteriophages targeting pathogenic bacteria. You will work closely with postdoctoral researchers in host range testing, maintaining stocks of bacterial and phage cultures, and preparing samples for DNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technology. Your work will contribute to creating a vital resource for the scientific community, enhancing understanding of phage-bacteria interactions and supporting antimicrobial research.

You will work within an interdisciplinary team and liaise with collaborators nationally and internationally to support this innovative research initiative.

About You

You should have a strong background in microbiology, supported by a technical or scientific qualification to ONC/NVQ3 level or higher. Your laboratory experience includes culturing bacteria—particularly ESKAPE pathogens—phage isolation, and working in a Biosafety Level 2 environment.

You are methodical, organized, and possess excellent record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage your workload under the guidance of senior researchers. Strong written and verbal communication skills, enthusiasm for teamwork, and a commitment to professional development are essential. You should be open to learning new techniques and contributing to the wider goals of the research centre.

Experience with DNA library preparation, LIMS systems, or Linux-based computing environments would be advantageous but is not essential.

Additional Information

For informal enquiries, contact Professor Martha Clokie and Associate Professor Andrew Millard at [e-mail].

Applications for job share will be considered. This role may also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members; please discuss with your line manager prior to applying. More information on secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world for 100 years. Joining us means becoming part of a community of Citizens of Change, including staff, students, and alumni worldwide.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, embedding these principles into our core missions and support systems. We also prioritize staff wellbeing and environmental sustainability, offering a competitive salary, pension scheme, and generous leave allowance, along with opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.