Research Laboratory Technician

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge, Department of Genetics, is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician on a fixed-term basis to support a collaborative project in plant genomics. The role focuses on molecular biology techniques and assisting a project translating ancient genetic variation in crop plants, primarily rice.

You will work with a postdoctoral researcher within a wider lab team, performing cloning, gene expression analysis, genotyping, and microscopy, while maintaining plants.

Qualifications

• A qualification equitable to HND/HNC, level 4/5 vocational qualification (undergraduate degree preferred).
• Prior relevant laboratory experience.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Positive, proactive attitude and good team spirit.
• Evidence of effective teamwork in achieving clearly defined project goals.

Responsibilities

• Cloning (PCR, bacterial transformation and culture, plasmid purification, and Sanger sequencing).
• Gene expression analysis (RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, qPCR).
• Genotyping (collecting material, genomic DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis).
• Confocal and light microscopy.
• General plant husbandry and maintenance.

Skills

Molecular biology

Lab techniques

Education

HND/HNC

Undergraduate degree

Job description

The Department of Genetics is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician for a fixed-term position to work on a collaborative project in the Department of Plant Sciences. The role involves performing molecular biology techniques and supporting a project on the translation of ancient genetic variation in crop plants. Candidates should have previous laboratory experience with a relevant degree preferred. The position requires teamwork and is based in central Cambridge.

The successful candidate will support a project funded by the Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability (AEGIS) consortium. The work forms part of an international collaborative effort involving academic laboratories in Denmark and the United States.

The postholder will support and perform a range of routine and advanced molecular biology techniques, working closely with a postdoctoral researcher and as part of a wider laboratory team. The primary model organism for the project is rice (Oryza sativa), with plants carrying reintroduced genetic variants already generated. Some experimental work on barley is also anticipated.

Key responsibilities include:

• Cloning (PCR, bacterial transformation and culture, plasmid purification, and Sanger sequencing)
• Gene expression analysis (RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, qPCR)
• Genotyping (collecting material, genomic DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis)
• Confocal and light microscopy
• General plant husbandry and maintenance

The successful applicant is not expected to have experience in all of the techniques listed above. However, prior laboratory experience and a strong willingness to learn are essential. Experience working with plants is highly desirable.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A qualification equitable to HND/HNC, level 4/5 vocational qualification (undergraduate degree preferred)
• Prior relevant laboratory experience
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• A positive, proactive attitude and good team spirit
• Evidence of effective teamwork in achieving clearly defined project goals

This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic research environment and to contribute to an innovative, internationally collaborative project at the forefront of plant genomics.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2028 in the first instance.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Chai Hao Chiu [e-mail]

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.