Senior Insect Technician

Keele University; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Keele University invites applications for a Full-Time Technician position in their School of Life Sciences. This role involves maintaining mosquito colonies for genetic research, providing support across various project areas, and developing molecular skills. An ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field and experience with insects, joining a dynamic team at a leading institution focused on innovative research.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Flexible working practices

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• Experience working with/rearing insects is essential.
• Good molecular background and genetics knowledge desirable.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Culex mosquito colonies at Keele Insectary.
• Support team members in dissection, data collection, and genetic engineering.
• Receive training in molecular skills like gene cloning.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in biology, entomology, or molecular biology

Job description

Full Time,24 Month Fixed Term

The Opportunity

This post represents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join the lab of Dr. Tim Harvey-Samuel in Keele University’s School of Life Sciences to help develop next-generation genetic control tools for the disease-vectoring mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the maintenance of crucial Culex mosquito colonies at the brand-new Keele Insectary, alongside providing support to team members in other critical areas of the project e.g. mosquito dissection/tissue-sequencing/ genetic-engineering/experimental crossing and data collection. There is also the opportunity for the successful candidate to receive training in and develop molecular skills, including in gene cloning and plasmid design.

You will have a degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (e.g. biology/entomology/molecular biology). Experience in working with/rearing insects is essential. Good knowledge of genetics/molecular background is also desirable. You will be able to demonstrate substantial capacity to work independently, problem solve, provide close attention to detail and operate collaboratively/cooperatively within a dynamic team environment.

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available.

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 12,500 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research.

Technician Commitment

Keele is one of more than 35 universities and research institutions from across the UK which have backed a pledge to support their technicians. The Technician Commitmentis a sector-wide initiative led by the Science Council and supported by the Gatsby Foundation, which aims to help address key challenges facing technical staff working in research.Five target areas have been identified, and the commitment will ensure greater visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians across all disciplines at Keele.

Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

Please note this appointment is subject to medical clearance by the University’s Occupational Health provider.

How to Apply

For full post details and to find out more about working at Keele please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/vacancies

Informal enquiries may be addressed to [e-mail]. Applications to this address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 4^th August 2025

Interviews will be held on: 12^th August 2025

Post reference: KU00004646