Laboratory Technician

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham University invites applications for a Laboratory Technician to support Dr Jeongmin Choi's laboratory. The post is full-time, fixed-term for 2 years with an option to extend for 1 year.

The role supports a friendly and vibrant team in a brand-new laboratory that prioritises wellbeing and a positive work environment. The successful candidate will report to Dr Choi, prepare and analyse samples, and contribute to a broad range of research activities in biosciences.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in laboratory technician or biological scientific research work is essential.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including PCR and RNA extraction is advantageous.
• Familiarity with plant tissue culture and horticultural practices would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyse samples to support research activities.
• Provide technical support to the research group and ensure smooth running of activities.
• Work as part of a wider team of laboratory technicians and show willingness to help when demand is high.
• Demonstrate good IT skills, organisation, and ability to work independently after training.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

RNA extraction

Plant tissue culture

Horticultural practices

Laboratory techniques

Job description

Applications are invited for a laboratory technician to support the research and operation in Dr Jeongmin Choi 's laboratory, starting as soon as possible. This post is full time, fixed term for a 2-year period with an option for 1 year extension. This is an exciting opportunity for somebody passionate about scientific research to join a friendly and vibrant team in a brand new laboratory. Dr Choi's group aims to create a positive and respected environment to work in to ensure the wellbeing of all its members.

The role holder will report to Dr Choi and will provide technical support, contributing to the smooth running of research activities across her group.

The role holder will prepare and analyse samples in support of research activities. Practical experience in laboratory technician/biological scientific research work is essential. Experience with molecular biology (PCR, cloning, RNA extraction), plant tissue culture and horticultural practices would be an advantage.

The role holder will have good IT skills, excellent organisation skills and the ability to work independently once trained.

The role holder will work as part of a wider team of laboratory technicians and willingness to help when demands are high and being a strong team player is essential.

The role holder will also need good communication and interpersonal skills.

The Department of Biosciences is composed of 68 academic staff and research fellows; around 50 research and technical support staff; over 90 Research Postgraduate students and over 500 Single Honours undergraduate students. Our research and teaching is supported by outstanding research infrastructure in advanced bioimaging, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-performance computing and field research. The Department of Biosciences is currently ranked in the top 5 UK Biology Departments in University league tables (2nd in the Guardian University Guide, 4th in The Complete University Guide) and has a 100% internationally recognised research environment (REF2021). Our basic science underpins applications across various sectors of the bio-economy, including Biotechnology, Ecology and Agrotechnology.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation and progression. The Department embraces excellence in all of its forms and invites all qualified applicants to apply. We particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in the academic sector.