Technical Specialist

Applications are invited for the above post based within the School of Biosciences at the Sutton Bonington Campus.  

The role holder will have responsibility for the provision of specialist support to instrumentation and experimental work within the Microbiology and Food Safety laboratories, and allied facilities, within the School of Biosciences. These facilities support research as well as teaching programmes in the School. 

The role will be responsible for the day to day management of ACDP2/ACGM2 laboratories and supervision of the local area technical team. The role holder will also utilise specialist skills and techniques in microbiology at BS level 2 and molecular biology, to assist with the outputs from our diverse and multidisciplinary research areas, including delivering training in relevant techniques and equipment, and the supervision of others. The role will be required at times to support other areas within the School, where skills and techniques could be shared and/or utilised, or where routine technical support is required.

Reporting directly to the Senior Technical Manager and Technical Manager, duties will include:

• Responsibility for the technical organisation and/or operation of advanced scientific/experimental/ technical work that requires specialist skills, techniques, and knowledge of working with and culturing a range of microbiological organisms at BS level 2, DNA/RNA extraction, DNA analysis, protein expression and purification and in vitro cloning.
• Act in a consultant capacity and as a recognised source of technical and/or experimental expertise, advising both internal and external contacts on the development and application of specialised systems, techniques, experimental procedures and the analyses/interpretation of results in microbiology and molecular biology.
• To provide technical guidance and advice to solve complex queries and/or in the support of grant applications and in the contribution to research publications.
• To conduct complex quantitative and qualitative analyses of data and results.
• Contribute to the interpretation of the results and the development of research, teaching and/or other areas of activity.
• Responsibility for the upkeep and safety of the building and plant equipment.
• Ensure that the department complies with work related legal and health and safety standards, including clinical waste management, writing and maintaining safety documentation and maintenance schedules and inventories.

(Full details can be found in the job description.)

Candidates must have a minimum of HNC in a Life Sciences subject, or equivalent qualifications plus plus substantial work experience in a relevant role in microbiology and molecular biology or have a proven track record with extensive work experience in a relevant technical or scientific role in microbiology and molecular biology.

An understanding of the requirements for working in ACDP/ACGM containment level 2 laboratories, and handling pathogens up to BS level 2 is essential to the role. As is having experience of supervising others.  

Experience of handling pathogens up to BS level 3 would be desirable, however training would be given.

Prior experience of working in a relevant technical environment is essential. 

This position is offered on a permanent basis. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours per week) and the position is available immediately. Job share arrangements may be considered.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Khatija Nawaz, email khatija.nawaz@nottingham.ac.uk.
Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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