Senior Research Technician

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

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to February 2027

Role Summary

This technical post is funded by CRUK Scotland to support the research work of Professor Andrew Beggs by overseeing compliance for the clinical trial work currently undertaken within the group by undertaking both administrative and laboratory work.

Main Duties

• Performing all administrative tasks associated with the laboratory’s clinical trials such as writing documentation as required
• Responsibility for compliance with individual trial protocols
• Responsibility for liaising with the clinical trial units to provide consumables/materials as required for sample kits
• Processing samples using a variety of techniques:
  • Processing blood for example for PBMCs
  • Nucleic acid extraction,
  • Cell free DNA extraction
  • Quantification and quality checks, using qPCR and next generation sequencing to include:
  • Using several platforms such as Illumina, Nanopore and Ion Torrent
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your manager for approval on any proposed changes.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
• You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Person Specification

• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• 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.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• 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 to Carol Benham c.a.benham@bham.ac.uk 

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