Specialist Technician (Research)

The role

We are looking for a highly motivated and proactive Specialist Technician to join our Research Group studying how dynamic cell biology supports tissue function and repair, and its dysregulation with age and disease.  You will be supporting a variety of cutting-edge research projects and performing laboratory experiments primarily using the fruit fly Drosophila (with potential for using other systems e.g. cell culture dependent on project). This is a collaborative role integrating expertise in molecular cell biology, imaging and genetics, and working with collaborators at the University of Bristol and other UK universities. You will train others in these methods, including undergraduate students. In parallel, you will ensure that the laboratory is prepared for experimentation and compliant with relevant Health and Safety (and other legislative/policy) requirements.

Our team science approach will require individuals who think creatively and flourish in collaborative environments. Experience using and maintaining animal models (particularly Drosophila), experience with imaging and molecular cell biology and an ability to work in a collaborative team are essential. We are based in the Biomedical Sciences Building among other research groups focused on tissue repair and developmental cell biology, with access to all relevant facilities (including excellent imaging, ‘omics and flow cytometry). 

What will you be doing?

You will work with key stakeholders (such as postdocs, PhD students and group leaders) to plan and design research experiments to understand how tissues (including the skin, airways and kidneys) resist and repair damage, with a focus on the inflammatory response. You will typically:

- support general fruit fly (Drosophila) husbandry, genetic crosses and stock maintenance

- undertake experiments using specialist techniques including live fluorescence (e.g. confocal) microscopy, immunohistochemistry and physiological assays.

- keep accurate lab notes and records

- gain expertise and train others in specialist techniques, processes and procedures

- collaborate with other research scientists and students within the group

- perform lab maintenance tasks, including lab organisation, sourcing consumables, updating lab records, and preparing reagents

- liaise with floor technicians on equipment maintenance, RAs and waste disposal

- the daily operations can be very varied so a positive, flexible and problem-solving attitude is required

You should apply if

• You have a background in cell/tissue biology and previous experience of working in a research laboratory with animal models, particularly Drosophila
• You have demonstrated experience in basic experimental techniques, including molecular cell biology (e.g. PCR, immunohistochemistry), fluorescence microscopy, data handling and analysis. Experience in advanced microscopy (e.g. confocal) is highly desirable.
• A degree, or related qualification, in a Bioscience-related discipline is desirable
• You will work closely with other members of the group and should have excellent communication skills and be able to collaborate well as part of a team
• You have good IT and organisational skills, good focus and attention to detail
• You are enthusiastic, motivated, pro-active and able to use your initiative to learn new skills, troubleshoot problems and experimental challenges
• You are honest and able to perform research to a high ethical standard and integrity
• You can work independently with minimal supervision

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended (with fixed term funding for 24 months in the first instance)

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

For informal queries please contact Helen Weavers (Associate Professor in Cell and Developmental Biology): helen.weavers@bristol.ac.uk

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