Research Technician

UAG; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension provision

Family-friendly policies

Exeter living

Job summary

The University of Exeter invites applications for a full-time, fixed-term Research Technician (1 October 2026 to 31 March 2028) in the Department of Biosciences and Living Systems Institute. The role supports a BBSRC-funded programme investigating immune responses to pathogens using Galleria mellonella as an infection model, with a starting salary of £30,878.

You will maintain Galleria lines, assist with infection biology and molecular biology workflows, and contribute to data generation.

Qualifications

• You will hold a degree or equivalent in Biological Sciences or related field.
• You will have experience in a biological research environment and a commitment to data quality.
• Experience with Galleria mellonella husbandry and infection biology.

Responsibilities

• Maintain wild-type, transgenic and genome-edited Galleria lines.
• Contribute to laboratory operations, undertaking infection biology and molecular biology procedures.
• Assist with transgenic and genome-editing workflows, and generate high-quality research data.
• Support development of innovative research methodologies and deliver project objectives.
• Contribute to GMRC activities including training, protocol development, workshops and public engagement.

Skills

Infection biology

Molecular biology techniques

PCR

Flow cytometry

Data management

Laboratory skills

Education

Biology degree or equivalent

Tools

PCR equipment

Flow cytometer

Genomics equipment

Transgenic workflows

Genome editing workflows

Job description

About The Role

Research Technician

This full-time, fixed term Research Technician post is available from 1st October 2026 until 31st March 2028. The starting salary will be £30,878 (Grade D21) depending on knowledge, skills and experience. The Faculty wishes to recruit a Research Technician to join an exciting BBSRC-funded research programme investigating immune responses to clinically important bacterial and fungal pathogens using the wax moth Galleria mellonella as an advanced infection model. The post is based within the Department of Biosciences and the Living Systems Institute and will support a multidisciplinary research programme spanning infection biology, molecular genetics, genome engineering and transgenesis.

The successful applicant will provide specialist technical expertise essential to the delivery of the project. Working closely with academic staff, postdoctoral researchers and collaborators, you will maintain wild-type, transgenic and genome-edited Galleria lines, ensuring the consistent supply of healthy insects for experimental research. You will contribute to laboratory operations, undertaking infection biology and molecular biology procedures, assisting with transgenic and genome-editing workflows, and contributing to the generation of high-quality research data. You will support the development of innovative research methodologies and help deliver project objectives within a collaborative and internationally recognised research environment.

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to the activities of the Galleria mellonella Research Centre (GMRC), including training activities, protocol development, workshops and public engagement initiatives.

About You

You will hold a degree, HND, HNC or equivalent qualification in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology or a related discipline, or possess substantial relevant laboratory experience. You will have experience working within a biological research environment and a strong commitment to technical excellence and data quality.

You will have experience in the following areas:

• Galleria mellonella husbandry and colony maintenance
• Infection biology and pathogen challenge experiments
• Molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR
• Flow cytometry-based laboratory procedures
• Maintenance of biological stocks and laboratory model organisms
• Biological containment laboratory working practices
• Research data management and laboratory record keeping

You will be highly organised, attentive to detail and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative and inclusive research team.

What We offer

• The opportunity to contribute to a major BBSRC-funded programme addressing important challenges in infection biology and antimicrobial resistance research.
• A role within the internationally recognised research environment of the Department of Biosciences and Living Systems Institute.
• Access to state-of-the-­art facilities and technologies supporting molecular biology, infection biology and genomics research.
• Opportunities to develop further specialist expertise in Galleria mellonella research, genome engineering and advanced infection models.
• A supportive and collaborative research culture committed to technical excellence and staff development.
• A comprehensive range of University benefits, including generous annual leave, pension provision and family-friendly policies.
• The chance to live and work in Exeter, a vibrant and historic city surrounded by outstanding natural landscapes.

Please be advised

that due to the minimum salary thresholds imposed by the UKVI, this post will not qualify for university sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have a visa which permits the right to work in the UK.

£32,080 (Grade D21) depending on knowledge, skills and experience.