Technician

University of Leicester; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Leicester's School of Medical Sciences, Division of Respiratory Sciences, seeks a Research Technician at the Glenfield Hospital site to support a severe asthma biomarker discovery project. You will work with spectral cytometry on blood-derived samples and coordinate sample logistics within a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires an honours degree in biological sciences or immunology and hands-on cytometry experience, with strong data interpretation and scientific communication

Qualifications

• Honours degree in biological sciences, immunology or related field.
• Experience with cytometry and handling human clinical samples.
• Ability to interpret cytometry data and communicate findings clearly.
• Attention to detail, strong organisation and prioritisation of tasks.
• Knowledge of spectral cytometry and good laboratory practice advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate clinical sample shipments and storage.
• Process human clinical samples for analysis.
• Maintain accurate research governance records.
• Contribute to development of cytometry and data-analysis methods.
• Support delivery of project milestones and communicate findings to colleagues and partners.
• Travel to regional study partners and, when required, internationally.

Skills

Cytometry experience

Handling clinical samples

Data interpretation

Scientific communication

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Governance compliance

Education

Honours degree in biological sciences, immunology or related

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.

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.