Research Technician - School of Biological Sciences

The School of Biological Sciences is seeking a full-time technician to help with data collection for a project investigating the evolution of fish diversity.

The technician will take a role in a project named Can phenotypic plasticity and DNA methylation promote adaptive radiation?. The project is led by the University of Bristol (Prof. Martin Genner) and Bangor University (Prof. George Turner) and is funded by NERC. Key aims of the project are to test the extent that phenotypic plasticity and epigenetic modifications facilitate adaptive radiation, using East African cichlid fishes as a model system.

The technician will be responsible for quantifying the morphological variation present among samples, focussing on head and jaw morphology using x-ray microCT scan data. The technician will also assess diet of individual fish using gut content analysis and stable isotope data, and be responsible for curating all fish samples. The technician will also undertake molecular DNA analyses (DNA and RNA extraction, library preparation, microsatellite genotyping), and be responsible for management of genetic samples and associated data.

Candidates should have relevant qualifications at GCSE, or NVQ level 2/3 (or equivalent level). It is desirable for candidates to have an undergraduate degree. They should have experience of molecular laboratory work. The position is funded for 30 months, is Bristol based, and has a projected start date of1 February 2020.

For informal enquiries please contact the Project Lead: Prof. Martin Genner ( m.genner@bristol.ac.uk ) or the School Technical Manager: Anthony Crawford ( anthony.crawford@bristol.ac.uk ).

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.