Research Technician

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £27,166 to £28,768, with potential progression once in post to £32,145

Hours: Part Time (7 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to May 2026

We are seeking to recruit a Research Technician who will support the research of Professor Nicholas Barnes in the School of Pharmacy. The successful candidate will provide effective and efficient technical laboratory support contributing to a cutting-edge research project, investigating the potential of a 5-HT4 receptor agonist, prucalopride, to improve cognitive performance.

The project will primarily involve performing laboratory experiments processing human blood samples isolating white blood cells (by differential centrifugation) to then be frozen in such a way as to allow their subsequent functional activity to be restored upon thawing. Samples of isolated plasma and serum will also be collected and frozen. All samples will be stored in compliance with appropriate regulations and full training will be provided.

The candidate will also be expected to assist in the daily administration and organisation of the laboratory and its research, maintaining reagents/consumables, carrying out orders, ensuring the facilities are clean, functional, and safe, ensuring that equipment is being used appropriately, and reporting any problems appropriately. The role also requires proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. This may include being required to look after a communal area and comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.

Person Specification

• NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent level three qualification and specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• Practical experience of receipt of whole human blood, prepare (by centrifugation) plasma and PBMC preparations. Store the plasma and send PBMC prep for storage at HBRC and a working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice.
• Experience of working in a laboratory-based teaching or research environment; or be able to demonstrate the capability to participate in research projects.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload after consultation with manager.
• Familiarity with the use of a wide range of general laboratory equipment e.g. balances, pH meters, autoclaves, glass washing machines, microscopes, centrifuges.
• Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters, together with the communication skills to interact with a range of people, including students.
• Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines.
• The post holder will be fully familiar with the safe handling and storage of laboratory materials.

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof Nicholas Barnes, email: n.m.barnes@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.

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