Senior Research Technician

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, £29,762

Closes: 20^th April 2023

Fixed Term contract up to May 2026

Role Summary

To assist medical research by carrying out laboratory analyses and data collection, thereby providing research support for a specific project.

The post holder will join the Acute Care Research group at the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham. The post holder will work with Dr Aaron Scott (Associate Professor in Respiratory Science) on a 3-year project, funded by the NIHR.

The project which aims to compare the systemic and pulmonary inflammatory consequences of using e-cigarettes in healthy smokers and in COPD patients, a group of patients who are already susceptible to inflammation-associated lung damage. This role will support the mechanistic sub-study linked to the ECAL clinical trial from which samples will be derived. The post holder will also contribute to complimentary studies using ex vivo modelling with primary human cells and tissues.

This will primarily involve undertaking laboratory analyses of patient blood and tissue, immune cell, and biofluid samples which will include (but are not limited to) the following techniques: cell culture, flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA and Western Blotting. Experience in some of these techniques is desirable, training will be provided for the remainder.

Training will be provided for Specialist techniques including lung tissue processing, Seahorse metabolic profiling and precision cut lung slicing; the post holder will also be expected to undertake these specialist techniques following training. The post holder will be expected to collect and analyse relevant research data using statistical software.

The post holder will also be expected to carry out administrative tasks related to the delivery of the research including (but not limited to): Maintaining stocks of related consumables, creating purchase order requisitions, participating in general lab duties, and ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition.

The post holder will also be supported to attend professional development courses run by the University of Birmingham’s People and Organisation Development.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum 2.1 Degree in Biomedical or Biochemistry related subject area
• Practical experience in at least two of the following techniques: primary cell culture, flow cytometry, qPCR, Western Blotting
• Willingness to learn and apply new scientific techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages and experience of data analysis using statistical software
• Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements
• Ability to work independently but function as part of a team
• Knowledge of Human Tissue Act
• Ability to work to GCLP standard

Informal enquires can be made to Dr Aaron Scott a.scott@bham.ac.uk.

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button below or visit our careers website here.

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