Technician (Assay Development & Drug Discovery)

This new, full-time post is available immediately and for three years in first instance (with possibility of extension, subject to approval).

Summary of the role

The MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM) seeks an experienced research technician to join a recently funded 5-year programme of antifungal drug discovery at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. This exciting new programme connects MRC CMM researchers with drug discovery experts and scientists from the Dundee Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) (www.drugdiscovery.dundee.ac.uk/) and GSK Global Health Medicines R&D to facilitate the discovery and development of new drugs for invasive fungal diseases. Together, the MRC CMM, DDU and GSK GHM form a dynamic and multidisciplinary group that covers all aspects of drug discovery up to candidate selection.

About you

This role will support multiple aspects of programme development, including the construction of new bioluminescent and other reporter strains of human fungal pathogens, development, optimisation and implementation of automated workflows to determine the drug susceptibility and resistance liabilities of novel antifungal drugs, curation of programme resources including strain collections and chemical libraries, media preparation, and procurement. 

You will assist programme members with: the design and optimisation of drug discovery methodologies; the planning and implementation of low-, medium- and high-throughput screening experiments; purchasing and stock-keeping of screening reagents and consumables; and the development of standard operating procedures. The role is primarily laboratory based.

You will work alongside senior members of the UoE Assay Development and Drug Discovery team, aligned to the activities of the wider research team and reporting to the local and international Programme Leads. Career development opportunities will be available for the right candidate, including continuing education, conference attendance, scientific publishing and development of funding applications.

Organisational context:

The Research Services Division is a key enabler to the delivery of the University’s Strategy 2030, the Research and Impact Strategy, successful REF performances, and meeting research income targets.

This role is within the Technical Strategy & Operations part of the Division. We are research and teaching technical staff across the entirety of the University of Exeter. We work in specialist areas across the University and beyond, undertaking and supporting research and teaching and promoting compliance and best practice, in the labs, studios, workshops, and field.

The service is comprised of a team of talented individuals who support our teaching and research, and in training the next generation of top scientists. Our technical roles, which include experimental officers, laboratory technicians and research technicians, all focus on different aspects of science and humanities - from mechanical/electrical engineering, medicine and health, life sciences, social sciences, film, drama & communications, physics, geology and geography, and so much more.

This post supports the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences brings together academics and students across the spectrum of health, wellbeing and life sciences, including the social and environmental context, to create a holistic community with exciting synergies, dedicated to creating positive impact.

Covering Biosciences, Psychology, Health and Care Professions (Nursing, Medical Imaging and Pharmacy), Public Health and Sports Sciences, Health and Community Sciences, and Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, the Faculty is based over multiple campuses in Exeter and Cornwall, and on partner NHS sites.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

For more information, contact Elaine Bignell (e.bignell@exeter.ac.uk)

Advert information