Senior Research Technician

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

Fixed Term Contract up to May 2029

Job Summary

This post will support the research work of Professor Jo Morris on the project Defining a new paradigm for regulating homologous recombination-dependent processes at DNA breaks and damaged replication forks.

Main Responsibilities

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

• Cell culture  
• CRISPR knockout and knockin 
• Cell interventions (transfections/treatments) 
• Molecular cloning techniques  
• DNA gene cloning 
• Plasmid generation
• DNA purification and manipulation 
• DNA sequencing 
• Site-directed mutagenesis 
• Molecular biology techniques 
• PCR 
• Western blotting 
• Immunofluorescence 
• Protein production and purification from bacteria and insect cells
• Viral production (lentiviruses and retroviruses)
• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental laboratories
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and students. This will involve communicating with senior colleagues and inexperienced students.  
• 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. 

Health and Safety duties 

• Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.  
• Postholder will ensure waste is disposed of properly
• Postholder may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider or Fire Warden  

General Administration and Organisation 

• Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date. 
• Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems. 
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents. 
• Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition.
• Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.  

Other Duties 

• Post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff. 
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience  

• 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.  
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements. 

Informal enquiries can be made to Jo Morris, email: j.morris.3@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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