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

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

Job summary

The University of Leicester is seeking a motivated Research Technician for the Centre for Phage Research. This role supports an international project focused on phage therapy for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Ideal candidates will have a background in microbiology and laboratory experience, contributing to impactful research with clinical implications.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Generous leave

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience working with phages.
• Experience in microbiology and understanding of GLP.
• Familiarity with Health and Safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support a study on phage-antimicrobial synergy.
• Test phage efficacy against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella.
• Produce and supply phage stocks for research partners.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Good IT skills

Education

Technical or scientific education to 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 are viruses that infect and destroy specific bacteria, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. Early evidence suggests that phage therapy can enhance the effectiveness of antimicrobials, but much remains to be learned about 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 and investigating phage-antimicrobial synergy, focusing on Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. You will also be responsible for producing and supplying phage stocks for use by research partners worldwide.

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

About You

Ideal candidates will have obtained technical or scientific education to ONC or NVQ3 level and possess previous laboratory experience working with phages. Experience in microbiology and a well-developed understanding of good laboratory practice (GLP) and 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 at [e-mail].

This role may also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members, subject to discussion with your line manager. More details on secondments can be found here.

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

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion into all we do. We are committed to staff wellbeing and environmental sustainability, offering a competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, and generous leave, along with career development opportunities in a supportive environment.