Research Technician

Cyber Security Academy Southampton; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Research Technician to support glycoprotein research. Responsibilities include maintaining mammalian cell cultures, purifying proteins, and assisting with glycomics workflows. Candidates should have a degree in biochemistry or related fields and experience in lab techniques. The role offers robust professional development opportunities and promotes inclusivity in the workplace.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Pension scheme membership

Excellent family leave arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and recombinant protein expression is essential.
• Familiarity with protein purification techniques expected.
• Awareness of glycoprotein biology or glycomics is desirable.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Protein purification techniques

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline

Tools

Affinity chromatography

Size-exclusion chromatography

LC-MS workflows

Job description

Overview

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.

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.

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.

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