Research Technician

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Southampton is seeking a part-time Research Technician to support laboratory research on HIV-1 glycobiology. The role involves mammalian cell culture, glycoprotein production, and data management. Ideal candidates will have a degree in biochemistry or a related field, with essential experience in mammalian cell culture techniques. This position offers a collaborative environment with opportunities for technical support across ongoing projects.

Qualifications

• A degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, or related field – or equivalent experience.
• Essential experience with mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Desirable experience in protein expression and purification methods.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mammalian cell lines used for glycoprotein and pseudovirus production.
• Express HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins in mammalian cells.
• Assist in the generation of HIV-1 pseudoviruses.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Protein expression and purification

Data management

Collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Degree in biochemistry or related field

Job description

Overview

The Glycoprotein Therapeutics Laboratory, led by Professor Max Crispin, focuses on developing antiviral vaccines and antibody-based therapies against cancer. A key area of interest is HIV vaccine design, particularly understanding how glycans influence viral protein structure and function, and how they can be manipulated for therapeutic applications. We are seeking a part-time Research Technician to support laboratory research on HIV-1 glycobiology.

The role includes mammalian cell culture, glycoprotein and pseudovirus production, protein purification, and sample preparation for mass spectrometry. The postholder will ensure smooth day-to-day running of experiments, accurate data recording, and high-quality outputs, while contributing to lab maintenance and collaborative projects.

Responsibilities

• Mammalian Cell Culture: Maintain mammalian cell lines used for glycoprotein and pseudovirus production. Perform transfections and monitor cell growth to ensure optimal conditions.
• Glycoprotein Production: Express HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins in mammalian cells. Purify proteins using nickel affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. Prepare samples for mass spectrometry analysis.
• Pseudovirus Production: Assist in the generation of HIV-1 pseudoviruses. Conduct quality checks to ensure reproducibility and consistency across batches.
• Laboratory Support: Prepare buffers, reagents, and culture media as needed. Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety standards. Support adherence to protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Data Management: Document procedures, sample inventories, and experimental results. Keep detailed logs for pseudovirus and glycoprotein samples.
• Collaboration: Work closely with postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and technical staff. Provide technical support across HIV-1 glycobiology projects.

Qualifications

• A degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, or a related field—or equivalent experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques is essential.
• Familiarity with protein expression and purification methods (e.g., GNL affinity) and experience in pseudovirus production and purification are highly desirable.

Skills and Attributes

• Teamwork and Communication: You work effectively in a collaborative team environment and communicate clearly regarding progress and priorities. Maintaining accurate written and verbal records is essential.
• Planning, Organisation and Resource Management: You organise lab tasks efficiently and contribute to stock management. You seek input from colleagues to refine experimental designs and improve workflows.
• Problem Solving and Initiative: You troubleshoot technical issues using established practices and resolve routine problems such as contamination or poor yields. You contribute to improving lab practices within protocols and demonstrate flexibility when learning new methods.