Research Technician

University of South Hampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Southampton is seeking a Research Technician to support advanced research in glycoprotein biology. The role involves mammalian cell culture, protein purification, and the development of glycomics workflows. Candidates should hold a degree in biochemistry or a related field and possess experience in relevant laboratory techniques. This position offers generous benefits and promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and recombinant protein expression is essential.
• Familiarity with protein purification techniques such as affinity and SEC is expected.
• Attention to detail in experimental work and record-keeping is important.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mammalian cell lines for recombinant protein expression.
• Purify recombinant proteins using chromatography.
• Assist in developing high-throughput glycomics workflows.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Protein purification

Glycomics workflows

Collaboration

Education

Degree in biochemistry or related discipline

Tools

LC-MS

Job description

The Glycoprotein Therapeutics Laboratory, led by Professor Max Crispin, is seeking a Research Technician to support advanced research in glycoprotein biology and structural glycobiology. This role involves the production, purification, and analysis of recombinant glycoproteins and antibodies, alongside supporting high-throughput glycomics workflows.

The successful candidate will provide technical expertise in mammalian cell culture, protein production, sample preparation, and glycan analysis. They will play a key role in maintaining smooth lab operations, generating high-quality data, and supporting researchers across multiple projects focused on glycosylation in health and disease.

Key Responsibilities

• Mammalian Cell Culture & Protein Production
  Maintain mammalian cell lines for recombinant protein expression. Perform transfections and optimise conditions for small- and medium-scale protein production.
• Protein Purification & Sample Preparation
  Purify recombinant proteins using affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. Prepare samples for glycan and glycoprotein analysis, including LC-MS workflows.
• Glycomics & Structural Biology Support
  Assist in developing high-throughput glycomics workflows for site-specific glycosylation analysis.
• Data Recording & Management
  Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and outcomes. Contribute to managing shared datasets, protein inventories, and glycomics records.
• Laboratory Support
  Prepare reagents and buffers, maintain stocks, and ensure equipment functionality. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and lab best practices.
• Teamwork & Collaboration
  Work alongside postdocs, PhD students, and collaborators to deliver project goals. Provide flexible support across experimental workflows as needed.

About You

Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications

You should have a degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline—or equivalent lab experience. Experience with mammalian cell culture and recombinant protein expression is essential. Familiarity with protein purification techniques (e.g., affinity, SEC) is expected. Awareness of glycoprotein biology, glycomics, or LC-MS workflows is desirable. High accuracy and attention to detail in experimental work and record-keeping are important.

Teamwork and Communication

You work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and foster a supportive environment. Clear communication about priorities, progress, and technical issues is essential. You build strong working relationships across research groups and technical facilities.

Planning, Organisation and Resource Management

You manage your workload across multiple experiments and tasks. You support efficient workflows and help organise shared lab resources. Seeking guidance from senior colleagues when planning experiments is encouraged.

Problem Solving and Initiative

You troubleshoot routine technical issues using established practices. You suggest and implement protocol improvements where appropriate. Demonstrating initiative and adaptability in supporting new techniques is key.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Southampton provides access to a wide range of benefits including a generous annual leave allowance (plus university closure days and public holidays), pension scheme membership, and excellent family leave arrangements. We are committed to flexible working and supporting staff wellbeing.

We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from candidates committed to fostering equality and diversity, including those from underrepresented groups such as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from working-class or first-generation backgrounds.

As a signatory of the Technician Commitment and partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC), we support technical staff through networking, mentoring, training, professional registration, and career development.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on [phone] or [e-mail] quoting the job number.