Genomics Technician - Technology Hub

Position Details

MDS Technology Hub, College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £22,722 to £24,411. With potential progression once in post to £28,259 a year.

Band 500

Full Time / Permanent

Closing date 3 November 2019

Background

The successful candidate will be providing facility support and training to users of the Genomic Facility based within the College of Medical and Dental Sciences, whilst working collaboratively with a team of experts in Genomics who not only have the technical knowledge to get the best out of the instruments but also provide in-depth extensive training.

The College has recently made a large strategic investment in next generation sequencing facility. The core facility has access to 2x HiSeq 2500, 2xNextSeq 500, 3xMiSeq, a Fluidigm C1, Oxford Nanopore PromethIon and 10X Genomics Chromium instrumentation. Instruments are run on an instrument access model centrally with library preparation and sample preparation carried out within each core.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

RESEARCH -75%

The role holder will be one of two service experts with responsibility for providing a professional support service for the MDS Genomics Facility. This is a high throughput service area and duties include:

• To ensure the facility operates in an effective and efficient manner at all times and the equipment is run to optimal parameters.
• To provide specialist advice and guidance in establishing the exact requirements of the customer needs.
• To assist, supervise and guide users in operation of the equipment as required.
• To prepare and analyse samples, where appropriate, for use with the Iillumina™ and other sequencing equipment including the use of automated liquid handling robots.
• To maintain the qPCR equipment and other instruments associated with this facility.
• Providing professional feedback on run results to end users and advising, where appropriate, enhancements to procedures/protocols that may elicit improved results.
• Undertaking method development in order to improve results.
• Ensuring the equipment is maintained, serviced and calibrated as required and all necessary documentation pertaining to these activities is stored appropriately for review by the Technology Hub Manager.
• Playing a proactive role in the promotion of Genomic services offered by the Technology Hub.

HEALTH AND SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES - 10%

• Enabling staff and students, working within the area of responsibility, to comply with all basic University / College Health & Safety policies. This will include compliance by all staff with current rules governing work with COSHH, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), biological samples, human tissue, radioactive materials and schedule 5 toxins etc. Ensure all required assessments are in place approved and up to date.
• Maintaining records both paper and computer based as appropriate.
• To carry out regular maintenance processes such as flushing eye wash stations as appropriate and ensuring records are maintained.
• To report any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the Technology Hub Manager, Laboratory Manager, the Academic lead for Genomics or the College Safety Adviser.
• To uphold the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for laboratory, recycled and general waste.
• To adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANISATION - 8%

• To maintain stocks of consumables, if necessary, creating purchase order requisitions for the College finance office or via web based ordering system
• To receive and correctly store of consumables and chemical reagents.
• To ensure that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• To ensure the best use of equipment through booking systems, when appropriate.
• To report any problems with equipment or services to the line manager as appropriate.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post holder as directed the Technology Hub Manager.

OTHER DUTIES - 7%

• To take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff/students, in collaboration with the Technology Hub Manager, Genomics Specialist or Academic Lead.
• To actively engage in the Personal Development and Review Process.
• To contribute at a level appropriate with the grade, to internal and external audit procedures, and to regulatory inspections.
• To assist Technical Managers and/or Laboratory Managers in identifying and tracking items held on the University asset register.

Person Specification

• Proven extensive relevant experience/professional qualification in an appropriate subject or a degree
• Minimum GCSE (A*- C) or equivalent in mathematics.
• Proven in-depth practical knowledge of technical and scientific methods stated above, and Good Laboratory Practice gained through extensive experience and possibly formal qualification.
• Proven previous experience of similar laboratory based work, including basic molecular genetics techniques such as PCR and Sanger sequencing. Ideally, but optional, experience in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation and sequencing technology.[AB1]
• Positive service attitude and demonstrable courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own work load 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 relevant Health and Safety policies.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Willingness to work towards professional registration or has professional registration with the Science Council

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Andrea Mitchell ( A.M.Mitchell@bham.ac.uk )

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community