Technician

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

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract April 2028

Job summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Technician to join our research team at the University of Birmingham to investigate the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) dynamics during spermatogenesis.

The project will use Drosophila melanogaster as a genetic model to understand how mitochondria and mtDNA are maintained, organised and regulated during sperm development. In particular, we aim to investigate how mtDNA and mitochondria undergo dynamic changes during different stages of spermatogenesis and identify the molecular mechanisms controlling these processes.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in Drosophila genetics and molecular biology, with an interest in mitochondrial biology and developmental processes. They will employ a combination of fly genetics, molecular techniques and advanced imaging approaches to investigate mtDNA dynamics during spermatogenesis.

This position is for 1 year for the first instance. For further information please contact Hansong Ma, h.ma.6@bham.ac.uk. 

Summary of role

• Work within a funded research project investigating mitochondrial DNA maintenance and dynamics during Drosophila spermatogenesis.
• Apply expertise in Drosophila genetics, molecular biology and microscopy to investigate mitochondrial organisation and mtDNA behaviour during sperm development.
• Provide technical support for experimental research, including maintaining fly stocks, generating genetic crosses, preparing samples and performing molecular and imaging experiments.
• Contribute to experimental data collection, analysis, research presentations and scientific publications.

Main duties

• Maintain and manage Drosophila stocks, design and perform genetic crosses, and generate flies carrying specific genetic combinations.
• Perform molecular biology experiments, including DNA extraction, PCR, molecular cloning and genetic construct preparation.
• Dissect and prepare Drosophila testes and other tissues for cellular and molecular analyses.
• Perform immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy to investigate mitochondrial morphology, mtDNA localisation and dynamics during spermatogenesis.
• Conduct experiments to investigate the mechanisms regulating mtDNA maintenance, distribution and organisation during sperm development.
• Analyse microscopy images and experimental data using appropriate image analysis and statistical tools.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, organise research materials and contribute to laboratory management.
• Work collaboratively with other team members, contribute to experimental planning and troubleshooting, and support the preparation of research reports and publications.
• 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.
• Ability 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.

Informal enquiries to Hansong Ma, email: h.ma.6@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.

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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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