Research Technician

The role

We are seeking to appoint a Research Technician to support work on a UKRI-funded programme dissecting the molecular mechanisms underpinning the ability of tick-borne Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria to subvert host cells and lead an obligate intracellular lifestyle.

This exciting project uses protein-structure function and molecular cell biology approaches to determine how effector proteins, specialised proteins which Anaplasma secretes into host cells wherein they bind cellular targets and modify host biology, enable intracellular survival of these important pathogens within host cells. Our pilot research has revealed that A. phagocytophilum effectors have wide reaching impacts on host cells, including the remodelling the host cytoskeleton and inhibition of apoptosis, and how these effector functions enable an intracellular lifestyle.

Please see this short video for a brief overview of some of our work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa_GTkPq-RA

The Research Technician will be based in the research group of Dr Ian Cadby and have a central role in this research programme, alongside a post-doctoral research associate, already in position. Responsibilities include supporting research laboratory activities, ensuring that the laboratories are prepared for experimentation and are compliant with relevant Health and Safety and other legislative or policy requirements, carrying out specialised techniques, and training others.

This role is for 12 months in the first instance but with potential for extension.  

What will you be doing?

You will provide research support to a BSL2 protein biochemistry and host-pathogen interactions laboratory. You will primarily to support recombinant protein expression, protein purification, and protein characterisation/interaction and/or eukaryotic cell biology components of a UKRI funded project. Training and supervision is available for all duties, but the ability, once trained, to work independently and report to the group leader in the laboratory is expected.

The overarching aim of the project is to use multi-disciplinary approaches (particularly recombinant protein expression and purification, molecular biology, and eukaryotic cell biology) to study proteins involved in host-pathogen interactions. The post holder will also take a major role in the up-keep and betterment of the laboratory.

You should apply if

• You have experience of recombinant protein expression, purification, and downstream analyses and/or eukaryotic cell biology experience.
• Experience of working in a research laboratory to include laboratory techniques, process improvement and problem solving.
• Good IT skills, and an ability to effectively use software such as excel and powerpoint is required
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal with and prioritise a range of ongoing tasks at the same time, and to be able to cope under pressure.
• Ability to carry out procedures in an accurate and timely manner, and contribute to process improvement.
• Ability to work with independently / with minimal supervision towards pre-defined goals.
• Proven experience of completing tasks to a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills.
• Experience with laboratory maintenance such as ordering and stock checks would be advantageous.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 30/09/2027

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 30/07/2026

For informal queries please contact Dr Ian Cadby (Senior Research Fellow): ian.cadby@bristol.ac.uk

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