Research Technician - School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

We are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and hard-working individual to help support the laboratory processing of samples collected in clinical trials and other research studies run by the Bristol Children's Vaccine Centre. Our team studies the carriage and transmission of bacteria and viruses inhabiting the upper respiratory tract of children and young adults, and the effects of vaccines on these, with a particular focus on meningococcus and pneumococcus. We use a combination of microbiological (culture) and molecular (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) methods to detect and quantify these and other bacteria and viruses in throat swabs, nasal swabs and/or saliva samples.

You will have previous experience working or studying in a biological laboratory environment and a keen interest in infectious diseases research. The ability to reliably and accurately carry out repetitive tasks and maintain motivation is essential, as is a proven ability to keep comprehensive and accurate records. Previous experience of molecular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid extraction and PCR assays, would be beneficial.

For informal enquiries, please contact Ms Begonia Morales-Aza, Laboratory Research Manager ( m.b.morales-aza@bristol.ac.uk ; 0117 3312401); Dr Jennifer Oliver, Clinical Research Manager ( jennifer.oliver@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.