Research Technician (Daphnia Facility)

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £28,397 to £30,210, with potential progression once in post to £33,938. Grade 5

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to December 2025

Job Summary

The post-holder will contribute to research undertaken in the Daphnia Facility at the University of Birmingham. Working within a wider team of Facility technicians, the post-holder will conduct experiments on the model organism Daphnia magna for the research project Precision Tox. The post-holder may be asked to perform tasks that support the experimental work of other projects, or that support the wider functionality and development of the Daphnia Facility as required. This may include maintenance of Daphnia stock cultures, and the training of students and other Facility users. The post-holder will require an in-depth understanding of the research questions, techniques, and experimental protocols in order to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise.

Main Responsibilities

• Animal husbandry of experimental strains of Daphnia magna
• Carry out technical and experimental procedures in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, namely
  • Acute immobilisation assays (OECD Test Guideline 202)
  • Daphnia reproduction tests (OECD Test Guideline 211)
  • Phenotypic measurements of Daphnia
• Maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out; experimental results; chemical inventories; sample traceability data
• Maintain a clean, functional, and safe laboratory environment for research activities

Person Specification

• BSc degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or similar degree; or proven equivalent workplace experience.  
• Proven laboratory experience working with Daphnia or other aquatic invertebrate species, and/or proven laboratory experience in chemical exposure is desirable.
• Good working knowledge of technical and scientific methods used in animal biology.
• Knowledge of current relevant H&S policies.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages (e.g. Microsoft Office), and ability to maintain accurate electronic records of inventories and data

Informal enquiries to Marianne Barnard, email: m.barnard.1@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' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Closes: 3^rd October 2024

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