Technician

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Job summary

University of Leicester seeks a Research Technician to support a biomarker discovery project in respiratory sciences at Glenfield Hospital. You will work with the immunophenotyping group on spectral cytometry using blood-derived samples from severe asthma patients.

You will coordinate clinical sample shipments, process samples, maintain governance records, and contribute to cytometry method development and data analysis. Travel to study partners may be required.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in biological sciences, immunology, or related subject.
• Experience with cytometry and handling human clinical samples.
• Strong data interpretation and scientific communication skills.
• Knowledge of biosafety, governance, and ethical compliance.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate clinical sample shipments and storage.
• Process human clinical samples for cytometry analyses.
• Maintain governance records and documentation.
• Develop and refine cytometry and data-analysis methods.
• Deliver project milestones and contribute to outputs and conferences.

Skills

Spectral cytometry

Cytometry data analysis

Immunology

Clinical samples handling

Lab teamwork

Education

Honours degree in Biological sciences or Immunology

Tools

Cytometry software

Lab information systems

Job description

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.

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. 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.

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, 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 the following benefits:

• competitive salary package
• excellent pension scheme
• generous annual leave allowance
• opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment