Research Technician - Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR)

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

Job summary

Join a leading research team at the University of Leicester as a Research Technician in the Centre for Phage Research. You'll support innovative studies on phage therapy against multidrug-resistant bacteria, contributing to groundbreaking research with real-world clinical implications. The role requires technical education and laboratory experience, particularly in microbiology and phage research, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 27 months, offering competitive salary and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Generous leave

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience working with phages.
• Understanding of good laboratory practice (GLP).
• Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Testing phage efficacy and investigating phage-antimicrobial synergy.
• Producing and supplying phage stocks for research partners.
• Contributing to high-impact research with clinical implications.

Skills

Microbiology

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

IT Skills

Education

ONC or NVQ3 level

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to join the Centre for Phage Research at the University of Leicester. This role is part of an exciting international project funded by the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR), focused on tackling the urgent global challenge of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections.

Bacteriophages, viruses that infect and destroy specific bacteria, offer a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. Early evidence suggests that phage therapy can enhance the effectiveness of antimicrobials, but further research is needed to understand how to combine these treatments effectively.

In this role, you will support a groundbreaking study aimed at identifying optimal combinations of phages and antibiotics for clinical use. Your key responsibilities will include testing phage efficacy, investigating phage-antimicrobial synergy, focusing on Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species, and producing and supplying phage stocks for research partners worldwide.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research with real-world clinical implications.

About you

Our ideal candidate will have obtained technical or scientific education to ONC or NVQ3 level, with laboratory experience working with phages. Experience in microbiology, understanding of good laboratory practice (GLP), and knowledge of Health and Safety regulations are essential. Good IT skills, along with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, are also required.

For more information, please see the Job Summary Form.

Additional information

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Martha Clokie or Associate Professor Andy Millard via [e-mail].

This role may be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please discuss this with your line manager prior to applying. More information on secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world and people's lives for 100 years. Join us and become part of our community of Citizens of Change, which includes staff, students, and alumni worldwide.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, embedding these principles in all aspects of our work. Our support extends to staff, students, and the local community, guided by our values of Inspiring, Impactful, and Inclusive.

We prioritize staff wellbeing and environmental sustainability, offering a competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, generous leave, and opportunities for career development in a collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Full-time, fixed-term contract for 27 months.