Technician

University of Leicester; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Leicester is seeking a Research Technician to support a biomarker discovery project focusing on severe asthma within the School of Medical Sciences, Division of Respiratory Sciences, at the Glenfield Hospital site. You will handle human clinical samples, contribute to cytometry workflows and data analysis, and collaborate with the 3TR-Asthma Biologics Consortium.

The role involves coordinating sample shipments, maintaining governance records, and contributing to research outputs

Qualifications

• Honours degree in biological sciences, immunology or related subject.
• Practical experience of cytometry with human clinical samples.
• Ability to interpret cytometry data and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory governance, ethics and safety.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate clinical sample shipments and storage.
• Process human clinical samples and maintain governance records.
• Develop and refine cytometry and data-analysis methods.
• Deliver project milestones and communicate findings to the team.
• Travel to regional study partners; occasional international travel.

Skills

Cytometry

Clinical sample handling

Data interpretation

Lab governance & safety

Spectral cytometry

Education

Honours degree in biological sciences or immunology

Tools

Spectral cytometry software

Job description

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Technician to join the School of Medical Sciences, Division of Respiratory Sciences, at the University of Leicester. Working at the Glenfield Hospital site, you will support a biomarker discovery project focused on severe asthma and contribute to the established 3TR-Asthma Biologics Consortium. You will work with the immunophenotyping analysis group, led by Dr Adam Wright, to undertake spectral cytometric data collection and analysis using blood-derived mononuclear cells from patients with severe asthma.

Working independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, you will help coordinate clinical sample shipments and storage, process human clinical samples, maintain accurate research and governance records, and contribute to the development and refinement of cytometry and data-analysis methods. You will support the delivery of project milestones, communicate findings to colleagues and consortium partners, and contribute to research outputs, presentations and conferences. The role may involve travel to regional study partners and, where required by the project, international travel. Flexible working arrangements may be considered to suit the successful candidate’s working pattern and personal circumstances.

About you

You will hold an honours degree in biological sciences, immunology or a related subject and have practical experience of cytometry, including the handling of human clinical samples within cellular immunology or a related discipline. With a strong interest in human immunology and severe asthma, you will be able to interpret cytometry data, approach experimental challenges analytically and communicate scientific information clearly in writing and in person. You will bring excellent attention to detail, sound organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing tasks within agreed schedules while maintaining high standards of laboratory practice, health and safety, research governance and ethical compliance

Knowledge of spectral cytometry, good laboratory practice and the requirements governing human tissue research would be advantageous, as would experience of specialist analytical software and cytometry experimental design. You will be willing to travel when required, contribute positively to a collaborative research environment and engage in continuous professional development.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Adam Wright on [e-mail]

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Part Time, Fixed Term until 31st October 2028