Technician

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university in Newcastle is seeking a full-time technician to support an industrial project in collaboration with Procter & Gamble. The role involves performing laboratory experiments, managing resources, and liaising with NHS staff for tissue sample processing. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and practical experience in laboratory techniques, particularly in cell and tissue culture. This fixed-term position offers an annual salary between £27,319.00 - £29,588.00.

Qualifications

• Research experience in molecular cell biology/biochemistry lab environment.
• Previous practical knowledge of primary human cell culture.
• Ability to adapt to changes in research priorities.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments using cell and tissue culture.
• Liaise with NHS and University staff for human tissue transfer.
• Oversee compliance tasks ensuring timely completion of records.

Skills

Demonstrable work experience in laboratory techniques

Excellent team working skills

Problem-solving capability

Organising ability to meet deadlines

Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures

Education

BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent

BSc in a related field of study

Job description

Newcastle University is a world‑class UK University, advancing knowledge, providing creative solutions and solving global problems. Newcastle University in Singapore has been providing top‑quality degrees in Singapore for over a decade and has graduated more than 1,000 students. We deliver jointly awarded undergraduate Newcastle University degrees with Singapore Institute of Technology in chemical engineering, electrical power engineering, marine engineering, offshore engineering and naval, and mechanical design and manufacturing engineering. At Newcastle Research and Innovation Institute, we provide postgraduate education and training with MScs in Electrical Power Engineering, Energy and Sustainability, Marine Technology and Process Safety and Risk Management as well as research degrees (PhD, MPhil). Attracting and retaining staff of the highest calibre is our priority.

Salary: £27,319.00 - £29,588.00 per annum
Closing Date: 12 February 2026

The Role

We require a technician to join the laboratory of Dr. Viktor Korolchuk at Newcastle University. The role will support an industrial project in collaboration with Procter & Gamble and will join a wider community of technical professionals within the Faculty of Medicine overseen by the Technical Manager of the Biosciences Institute / School. The postholder will be required to contribute to a wide range of laboratory activities from generating scientific data using standard laboratory techniques, to everyday management of resources and databases. The role will involve close working and communication with Newcastle NHS Trust colleagues to receive and process tissue samples, and the processing of these samples in the laboratory using aseptic techniques on receipt.

Research experience in the molecular cell biology/biochemistry lab environment and previous practical knowledge of primary human cell culture and human tissue handling, culture is desirable.

This post is full time, fixed‑term for a period of 12 months.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform laboratory experiments using cell and tissue culture
• Liaise with NHS and University staff and transfer human tissue between sites
• Complete a range of maintenance activities and repairs
• Liaise with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve problems and investigate replacement options
• Advise on equipment capabilities demonstrating how results can be achieved
• By developing local procedures, establish and maintain a safe/compliant working environment
• Assist with the completion and updating of a wide range of safety paperwork
• Oversee compliance tasks ensuring timely completion and maintenance of appropriate records
• Maintain broad and up‑to‑date health and safety knowledge providing support/advice to others
• Schedule, prioritise and monitor work and performance in line with demands and deadlines
• Hold delegated responsibility from the academic/technical lead for the planning, operation and supervision of a variety of laboratory spaces
• Work collaboratively with other areas to ensure efficiency and elimination of duplicated effort
• Organise and facilitate progress and management meetings
• Be a key contributor to service development, delivery and planning
• Contribute and support change
• Oversee local record keeping, inventory and asset management
• Monitor resource usage and stores operations
• Source and negotiate with suppliers for a range of items including specialist parts/equipment
• Create, update and implement procedures to deliver an aligned, efficient and effective service
• Provide a broad range of skilled research/teaching support
• Prepare and manufacture a range of specimens/samples with limited direction
• Manage equipment bookings and assist with recharging
• Design, develop and deliver inductions, demonstrations and training covering a broad range of activities (not limited to techniques and equipment)
• Assist managers with the identification of training and development needs
• Develop a broad knowledge and skills base, sharing with others
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required

Qualifications

• BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent in relevant subject or equivalent experience
• Professional registration with an accredited professional body (including HEA) or working towards this on appointment (desirable)
• BSc in a related field of study (desirable)
• Demonstrable work experience in laboratory techniques (cell and tissue culture and maintenance)
• Experience of working with human tissue
• Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures within a laboratory environment
• Excellent team working skills
• Demonstrates technical and problem‑solving capability
• Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines with a positive and proactive approach to duties and attention to detail
• Contribute to design and specification of research activities
• Ability to adapt to changes in research priorities

EEO Statement

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity and celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are a proud equal‑opportunity employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.