Senior Research Technician

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Fixed Term contract up to December 2030

Salary: Starting salary is normally in the range £30,062 to £31,900, with potential progression once in post to £35,883

Job Summary

The successful candidate will support the research work of Dr Samantha Montague on the project which aims to understand the roles of platelet and neutrophils in thrombosis (blood clot formation) in patients with Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) associated immune thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (PITT). This involves isolating platelets and neutrophils from patients and health controls and running routine cell function testing. The study will assess variation in individuals in response to stimulation of the immune receptor FcγRIIA and other novel receptors of interest. This will be achieved through a combination of functional tests, antibody isolation, molecular and protein biology. The project will use nanobodies, which will need to be generated and characterised in a range of assays to determine their activatory and inhibitory properties with the aims of resolving donor variation and developing them for further use as antithrombotic agents respectively.

Main Responsibilities

The responsibilities will include the below along with other general administration duties:

• Maintaining patient sample database and processing samples ethically.
• Platelet function testing including platelet aggregation, flow cytometry, western blotting.
• Neutrophil isolation and function testing.
• Cell culture and cell isolation.
• Microscopy including platelet cell spreading, thrombus formation imaging & neutrophil extracellular trap formation.
• Molecular biology techniques focussing on DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis and gene variant analysis.
• Characterisation of antibodies or antibody derived fragments (i.e nanobodies).
• Protein production.
• 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.
• Work to deadlines imposed by the PI or nominee and provide consistent results delivery. 

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 workload 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.
• Understanding of the Human Tissue Act and working to GLP standards.

Informal enquiries can be made to Samantha Montague – S.J.Montague@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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