Research Technician

Hours: Part Time (28 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to October 2027 

Background

The post holder will provide both general and specialised technical research assistance to Dr Yun Fan’s team, contributing significantly to Dr Fan’s BBSRC-funded research on the regulation of apoptosis-induced cell proliferation. In addition to supporting the general maintenance of the laboratory, including ensuring a regular supply of essential consumables (e.g. solutions, media, tips, plates) and maintaining critical Drosophila stocks, the post holder will, under Dr Fan’s direct supervision, carry out genetic analyses using Drosophila models. This will involve a range of methods including tissue dissection, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and microscopy. The post is based in the School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, where Dr Fan and his research group are located.

Main Duties

• You will be responsible for maintenance of laboratory Drosophila stocks in appropriate good health conditions and with careful record keeping.
• You will be assisting with making fly-food if required and its associated tasks should the need arise.
• Carry out techniques and experimental procedures as required by research staff, students and Principal Investigators, designed to contribute to a specific research project or projects. 
• You will be expected to resolve problems in your area of expertise but also to recognise when problems need to be referred to more senior staff.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out, and of any other research activities you may be involved in, including results. 
• Comply with any legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for the activity.
• Demonstrate techniques to other staff and/or students on the area of expertise as required.
• You will contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

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 Drosophila genetics 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.
• 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.
• Good IT skills, having a familiarity with both Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS will be advantageous.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. Yun Fan, email: y.fan@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 & are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Advert information