Research Technician - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 106593 - Grade 4

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Birmingham is seeking a full-time research support technician for the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences. The role involves processing samples, maintaining laboratory records, and supporting research activities. Candidates should have a level three qualification related to laboratory work, along with experience in laboratory settings. This fixed-term position is funded until June 2026 with a salary ranging from £27,166 to £28,768, and potential progression to £32,145.

Qualifications

• NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent qualification and relevant experience.
• GCSE in mathematics and English at level 2.
• Experience in a laboratory-based research environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily support tasks for the research group.
• Process samples according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain accurate records on LIMS systems and laboratory records.

Skills

Good Laboratory Practice

Organizational skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Proactive Health and Safety approach

Education

NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three

GCSE level 2 in mathematics and English

Tools

Laboratory equipment (balances, pH meters)

Job description

Position Details

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £27,166 to £28,768, with potential progression once in post to £32,145

Grade: 4

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2026

Closing date: 23rd November 2025

Background

This full-time position (35 hours/week) within the College of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences and is funded until 30th June 2026

This post will be supporting the research of Professor Andrew Beggs whose group has wide ranging research interests and is a fast‑paced multidisciplinary laboratory, whose primary focus is molecular genetics and pre‑clinical models of disease, especially cancer.

Role Summary

You will provide daily support tasks for the group. You will provide technical support for research activities as required, utilising your technical skills and a wide range of techniques. You may occasionally be required to be flexible in your working pattern. You will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. In order to flexibly use resources you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.

Main Duties

• Processing of samples in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, including blood, faeces and tissue samples such as:
• Ensuring the paperwork and samples match and entering them onto a LIMS system
• Spin blood and remove plasma, buffy coat and whole blood as required by the individual trial
• Place faecal material into required storage buffers and record information
• Store formaldehyde fixed paraffin embedded and fresh material in accordance with individual trial protocols
• Extract nucleic acids from all samples as required by individual trials and quantify
• Perform library preparation for next generation sequencing
• Maintaining accurate records on LIMS systems and updating laboratory records in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
• Provide general support including:
  • Procurement
    • Maintenance of accurate records of all purchases
  • Housekeeping
    • Correct disposal of all laboratory waste via approved waste route
    • Monitoring and recording of housekeeping tasks
    • Sample storage management on LIMS system
  • Maintenance of equipment
    • Ensuring optimal performance of equipment
    • Deep cleaning of Microbiological Safety Cabinets
• Carry out techniques and experimental procedures as required by research staff, students and Principal Investigators, designed to contribute to a specific research project or projects.
• You will be expected to resolve problems in your area of expertise but also to recognise when problems need to be referred to more senior staff.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out, and of any other research activities you may be involved in, including results.
• Comply with any legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for the activity.
• Demonstrate techniques to other staff and/or students on the area of expertise as required.
• You will contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety

• You will be expected to uphold compliance with all University and local Health & Safety policies, including risk assessments and manual handling, reporting any breaches or non‑compliance to the relevant manager.
• You will be expected to manage the safe handling and disposal of all materials used in research laboratories, including hazardous materials.
• If required, assist or prepare risk assessments and keep these up to date.
• You will need to maintain all records as appropriate.
• Carry out regular maintenance processes as appropriate.

Administrative duties

• You may be required to assist with PAT testing and calibration of equipment, and with updating equipment inventories.
• Maintain stocks of consumables and creating purchase order requisitions.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables and chemical reagents.
• Ensure that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems.
• Reporting any problems with equipment or services which cannot be resolved to the line manager as appropriate.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures where practicable.
• Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post holder.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent level three qualification and specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*‑C/4‑9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• A good working knowledge, plus practical experience, of Good Laboratory Practice is desirable
• Experience of working in a laboratory based research environment is desirable.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload after consultation with manager.
• Familiarity with the use of a wide range of general laboratory equipment e.g. balances, pH meters, autoclaves, glass washing machines, microscopes.
• Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters, together with the communication skills to interact with a range of people, including students.
• Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines.
• The post-holder will be fully familiar with the safe handling and storage of laboratory materials.
• Good IT skills, having a familiarity with both Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS will be advantageous.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

Dimensions

You will have no direct line management responsibility (other than occasional instructions to other staff) and no budget to manage.

Planning and organising

You will be able to schedule and organise your own work within the priorities and requirements for the area.

Problem solving and decision making

You will deliver a level of service as agreed, carrying out daily research support as required. You will be expected to assist in analysis and interpretation of research results.

Internal and external relationships

This role is primarily concerned with advising and supporting research staff.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Carol Benham, email: [e-mail]

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