Senior Research Technician

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388 a year.

Job Summary

This full-time position (35 hours/week) within the College of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, within the In Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences supporting the research work of Professor Aga Gambus and Dr Marco Saponara. 

The post is funded by BBSRC for 3 years and will be supporting delivery of the study of activity of UHRF1 protein in chromatin replication, mostly in Okazaki fragments maturation. The appointed post holder will be working with cell free system of Xenopus laevis egg extract. The post holder will therefore be expected to obtain a personal home office license for work with amphibia. 

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise a number of technical staff but even where you do not directly supervise staff you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate. 

You will need an in-depth understanding of the techniques and experimental protocols. Experience of cancer cell models would be preferable. You will be able to use your in-depth knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures. 

In order to flexibly use resource, you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the Institute or College or wider university. 

Main Responsibilities

The role holder will provide support for the research undertaken by Professor Gambus and Dr Saponaro using a variety of techniques to include, but not exclusively:

• Protein purification
  • Including protein extraction from coliand insect cells 
• Protein biochemistry
  • Ubiquitylation reactions, replication reactions in Xenopus laevisegg extract
• Xenopus laevisegg extract preparation
• Radioactive assays using ³²P
• Basic molecular biology techniques
  • Western blotting
  • DNA cloning
  • Gel electrophoresis
• Writing and updating SOPs
• Data handling and management

Person Specification

• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods stated above
• Extensive proven experience of similar laboratory based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.

Informal enquiries can be made to Name Carol Benham (c.a.benham@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.

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