Research Technician - Biobank (2 posts)

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading research centre as a Research Technician, focusing on bacteriophage science. You will contribute to a national BioBank, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to enhance understanding of phage-bacteria interactions. The role requires a strong microbiology background and offers opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Generous leave

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience in culturing bacteria and phage isolation.
• Methodical, organized, with excellent record-keeping skills.
• Willingness to learn new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Support isolation and characterisation of bacteriophages.
• Conduct host range testing and maintain bacterial stocks.
• Prepare samples for DNA sequencing.

Skills

Microbiology

Communication

Teamwork

Education

ONC/NVQ3 level or higher

Tools

DNA library preparation

LIMS systems

Linux-based computing

Job description

About the role

Are you passionate about microbiology and excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in bacteriophage science? Join our dynamic team as a Research Technician at the Becky Mayer Centre for Phage Research, where you will play a key role in developing and maintaining a national Bacteriophage BioBank.

As a Research Technician, you will support the isolation and characterisation of bacteriophages targeting pathogenic bacteria. You will work closely with postdoctoral researchers, conducting host range testing, maintaining stocks of bacterial and phage cultures, and preparing samples for DNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technology. Your work will contribute to creating a vital resource for the scientific community, enhancing understanding of phage-bacteria interactions and supporting antimicrobial research.

You will be part of an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with national and international partners to support this innovative research.

About you

You should have a strong background in microbiology, supported by a technical or scientific qualification at ONC/NVQ3 level or higher. Laboratory experience in culturing bacteria (especially ESKAPE pathogens), phage isolation, and working in a Biosafety Level 2 environment is required.

You are methodical, organized, and possess excellent record-keeping skills. You can manage your workload independently under guidance from senior researchers. Strong written and verbal communication skills, enthusiasm for teamwork, and a commitment to professional development are essential. Willingness to learn new techniques and contribute to the research centre’s goals is important.

Experience with DNA library preparation, LIMS systems, or Linux-based computing environments is advantageous but not essential.

Additional information

Informal enquiries can be directed to Professor Martha Clokie and Associate Professor Andrew Millard at [e-mail].

Applications for job share will be considered.

This role can also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff, subject to discussion with your line manager. More information about secondments is available here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world for 100 years. Joining us means becoming part of a community of Citizens of Change, including staff, students, and alumni worldwide.

As an inclusive employer, we embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of our mission, supporting staff, students, and the community through our core values of Inspiring, Impactful, and Inclusive.

We are committed to staff wellbeing and environmental sustainability, offering a competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, and generous leave, with opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.

Vacancy terms

Full-time or job share, fixed-term contract until 31 March 2027.