Research Technician - School of Biosciences - 105978 - Grade 4

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Birmingham seeks a skilled technician to support research in the School of Biosciences. You will maintain Drosophila stocks, conduct genetic analyses, and assist in various research activities under direct supervision. A commitment to health and safety protocols and good laboratory practices is essential in this part-time role. The position offers valuable exposure to cutting-edge research in apoptosis regulation and cell proliferation.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in Drosophila genetics and Good Laboratory Practice is essential.
• Ability to manage one’s own workload and maintain laboratory materials safely.
• Good IT skills, familiarity with Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for laboratory activities, maintaining Drosophila stocks.
• Assist with techniques required by research staff and maintain accurate records.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety protocols.

Skills

Technical skills

Laboratory safety

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent

GCSE level 2 in mathematics and English

Tools

General laboratory equipment

Job description

Position Details

School of Biosciences

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

Part Time (28 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to October 2027

Closing date: 15th July 2025

Background

The post holder will provide both general and specialised technical research assistance to Dr Yun Fan’s team, contributing significantly to Dr Fan’s BBSRC-funded research on the regulation of apoptosis-induced cell proliferation. In addition to supporting the general maintenance of the laboratory, including ensuring a regular supply of essential consumables (e.g. solutions, media, tips, plates) and maintaining critical Drosophila stocks, the post holder will, under Dr Fan’s direct supervision, carry out genetic analyses using Drosophila models. This will involve a range of methods including tissue dissection, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and microscopy. The post is based in the School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, where Dr Fan and his research group are located.

Role Summary

You will provide technical support for research activities as required, utilising your technical skills and a wide range of techniques.You will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate research activity. In order to flexibly use resource you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.

Main Duties

Research duties

• You will be responsible for maintenance of laboratory Drosophila stocks in appropriate good health conditions and with careful record keeping.
• You will be assisting with making fly-food if required and its associated tasks should the need arise.
• 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, if necessary, 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.
• Practical experience of Drosophila geneticsand a working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice.
• Experience of working in a laboratory based teaching or research environment; or be able to demonstrate the capability to participate in research projects.
• 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 ofequality 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.

Informal enquiries to Dr. Yun Fan, email: [e-mail]

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