Senior Research Technician - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 106570- Grade 5

University of Birmingham; Park Central; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is seeking a full-time role holder to support research in the School of Medical Sciences. The position involves providing technical expertise in various molecular techniques and mentoring junior staff. Ideal candidates will have extensive laboratory experience and a relevant degree. This role values diversity and inclusion within the university community.

Qualifications

• Extensive laboratory experience, familiar with a wide range of equipment.
• Positive service attitude and ability to organize own workload.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for experiments using various molecular techniques.
• Advise on methods, maintain accurate records of protocols.
• Assist in managing the experimental laboratory, ensuring safety compliance.
• Support health and safety, including staff training on equipment.
• Contribute to audit procedures and internal quality assurance.
• Participate in training and mentoring junior staff.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Technical expertise in molecular techniques

Positive service attitude

Organizational skills

Knowledge of safety regulations

Education

Relevant professional qualification or degree

Job description

Introduction

This full‑time position (35 hours/week) funded by the MRC for 3 years is within the College of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences. The post supports the research work of Professor Grant Stewart on the project “Defining a new paradigm for regulating homologous recombination‑dependent processes at DNA breaks and damaged replication forks.” The role holder will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research. You will act as a role model and coach others, supervise technical staff when required, and diagnose and resolve problems proactively.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for experiments using techniques such as cell culture, CRISPR knockout/knock‑in, transfections/treatments, molecular cloning, DNA purification, DNA sequencing, site‑directed mutagenesis, PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, protein production/purification, viral production (lentiviruses, retroviruses) and SOP writing.
• Advise on methods and experimental procedures, communicate results to colleagues, and maintain accurate records of all protocols and outcomes.
• Assist in managing the experimental laboratory, ensuring compliance with legislation, operating procedures, and safety regulations.
• Support health and safety, including training staff on equipment usage, maintaining maintenance records, reporting breaches, and ensuring proper waste disposal.
• Maintain general administration and organization, including accurate record keeping, procurement, equipment calibration, and clean facility maintenance.
• Contribute to audit procedures, regulatory inspections, and internal quality assurance.
• Participate in training and mentoring junior staff, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusive values.

Qualifications

• Extensive laboratory experience, familiarity with a wide range of equipment, and proven experience of similar work.
• Relevant professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• Positive service attitude, courtesy in dealing with others, and ability to organize own workload with flexibility.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role, including Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, Human Tissue Act, GLP standards and H&S policies.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages and equality and diversity awareness.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community, hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations, and have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.