Research Technician

University of Leicester; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Leicester invites applications for a Research Technician in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology to support a Wellcome Trust-funded programme. This full-time fixed-term role focuses on recombinant protein expression, purification, and cryoEM sample preparation within a busy laboratory.

You will prepare reagents, buffers and samples, maintain records, and help with biochemical/biophysical assays, data handling and safety. Collaborative team environment is emphasised.

Qualifications

• You will have a technical or scientific qualification in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline, together with practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or protein science techniques.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression and/or protein purification methods, maintaining accurate experimental records, and working safely within a laboratory environment is essential.
• You will be organised, detail-oriented and confident using standard IT applications to support data recording, documentation and communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reagents, buffers and samples, and support routine protein characterisation experiments.
• Maintain laboratory records/databases and contribute to shared facilities and equipment operation.
• Support stock management, health and safety standards, and foster a collaborative research environment.

Skills

Organised

Detail-oriented

IT skills

Education

Biochemistry

Molecular Biology

Biological Sciences

Tools

Chromatography systems

CryoEM sample preparation

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a Research Technician to join the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Leicester on a full-time fixed-term contract supporting a Wellcome Trust-funded research programme. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge structural biology research, providing technical support for the day-to-day operation of a busy laboratory with a focus on recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical and biophysical assays, and sample preparation for cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) studies.

Working closely with academic colleagues and laboratory staff, you will prepare reagents, buffers and samples, support routine protein characterisation experiments, maintain laboratory records and databases, and contribute to the effective operation of shared facilities and equipment. You will also play an important role in maintaining laboratory organisation, stock management and health and safety standards while helping to foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

About you

You will have a technical or scientific qualification in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline, together with practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or protein science techniques. Experience of recombinant protein expression and/or protein purification methods, maintaining accurate experimental records, and working safely within a laboratory environment is essential. You will be organised, detail-oriented and confident using standard IT applications to support data recording, documentation and communication.

You will be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, managing routine technical activities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and laboratory practice. Experience with chromatography systems, biophysical methods, cryoEM sample preparation, cell culture or academic research laboratories would be advantageous but is not essential.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Professor Daniel Panne, [e-mail].

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Full-time, 35 hours per week, fixed term contract until 31 August 2028