Research Technician

TN United Kingdom; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Technician to support groundbreaking research into fish behaviour and genetics. This role offers the opportunity to engage in innovative experiments, manage breeding studies, and collaborate with a dynamic team of researchers. The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant academic community, contributing to impactful research while enjoying a supportive environment for professional growth. With excellent benefits and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this position promises to be both rewarding and fulfilling for those passionate about animal research.

Benefits

41 days of leave per year

Sector-leading maternity and paternity leave

Fertility Treatment Policy

Support for career development

Creative work environment

Qualifications

• Ability to present research progress and outcomes effectively.
• Experience with animal care and husbandry in a scientific context.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver experiments to collect behavioural data from fish.
• Manage fish breeding experiments and assist with animal care.

Skills

Research Methods

Animal Behaviour Studies

Communication Skills

Record Keeping

Education

First Degree in Related Field

Equivalent Qualification/Experience

Tools

Genetic Techniques (DNA Extraction)

Job description

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Research Technician to support the work of Professor Alastair Wilson. This NERC funded post is available from May 1st 2024 to April 30th 2027. The successful applicant will support research into the behaviour and evolutionary genetics of fish (guppies).

The post will include the development and delivery of experiments to collect behavioural data from fish (and potentially some aquatic invertebrates) in the laboratory. Responsibilities will also include managing fish breeding experiments, assisting with animal care and husbandry, and helping to prepare samples for genetic analyses. The post will work closely with postdoctoral and student researchers in the lab, as well as with dedicated animal care technicians.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information orally, in writing, and electronically, and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants should have a first degree or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field, with demonstrated knowledge of research methods and techniques relevant to established research programmes. Experience working with animals in a scientific context, particularly in designing and implementing studies of animal behaviour, is required. Specific experience with fish and working under Home Office license under ASPA would be beneficial. Prior experience with genetic techniques (e.g., DNA extraction) is advantageous but not essential. Meticulous record keeping and excellent communication skills are required.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and support) to pursue your intellectual interests and work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams aligned with university research and teaching goals;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate providing support for external engagement and development;
• Exeter Academic initiative supporting career development;
• Staff benefits including sector-leading maternity, adoption, shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus in Cornwall;
• 41 days of leave per year.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, ranked in the top 200 globally (Times Higher Education and QS 2024). We combine world-class teaching with research, achieving a Gold rating in the TEF 2023, with high student satisfaction and outcomes.

Our research impact has grown significantly, and we host influential researchers tackling fundamental issues. Over 99% of our research is of international quality, with 47% rated as world-leading (2021 REF). We actively engage with industry, business, and community partners to enhance research impact and employability. Learn about our Green Futures research and educational innovations. Exeter is a UNESCO Creative City, located in a vibrant part of the UK.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We ensure reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a diverse, inclusive environment where all community members are supported to thrive. We are committed to gender equality, race equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and disability confidence through various charter frameworks.