Research Technician - Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research

Position Details

Insitute of Metabolism and Systems Research

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £20,2358 to £21,598, with potential progression once in post to £26,274

Band 400

Full Time FTC for up to 36 months

Closing date 18 October 2020

Job Summary

This post sits within the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research and requires some knowledge of mass spectrometry based steroid analysis. This knowledge should cover gas chromatography mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry.

The role provides a core service facility for mass spectrometry analysis of steroids from patient samples from the UK and international sources for staff based within the Institute of Metabolism and Systems research

There will be also be a requirement to supervise and mentor junior support staff and to ensure compliance with local SOPs, College and local H&S policies in order to establish and maintain a safe and productive local working environment

Main Duties

Research 75%

The role holder will be one of two service experts with responsibility for carrying out mass spectrometry based analysis of biological fluids within the Steroid Metabolomics Analysis Core within the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research. This is a high throughput service area and will entail:

• Sample preparation
• Sample analysis
• Result calculations
• Advising service users on achieving best results; from sample collection to analysis and results interpretation
• Provide training and support in specialised techniques
• Undertaking method development in order to improve results

Health and Safety/Environmental Issues - 10%

• Encouraging staff and students, working within the area of responsibility, to comply with all basic University / College Health & Safety policies. This may include compliance in the following areas; COSHH, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), human tissue, biological assessments, radioactive materials and schedule 5 toxins etc. Confirming all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.
• Maintaining records both paper and computer based as appropriate.
• Carrying out regular maintenance processes such as flushing eye wash stations as appropriate and ensuring records are maintained.
• Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the PI, Technical Manager, Laboratory Manager or College Safety Adviser.
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for laboratory, recycled and general waste
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures

General Administration and Organisation - 8%

The post holder will assist with the daily administration and organisation of the work area. These duties include:

• Maintaining stocks of consumables, if necessary, creating purchase order requisitions for the College finance office or via web based ordering system
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables and chemical reagents.
• Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ensuring the best use of equipment through booking systems, if appropriate
• Reporting 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 by either the Principle investigator for research based activities or the Technical Managers for non research based activities

Other Duties - 7%

• In collaboration with the Laboratory Manager or supervisor the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff/students
• To actively engage in the Personal Development Process
• To contribute at a level appropriate with the grade, to internal and external audit procedures, and to regulatory inspections.
• Assist Technical Managers and/or Laboratory Managers in identifying and tracking items held on the University asset register.

Person Specification

• NVQ, BTEC/ONC or equivalent; or specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE (A*- C) or equivalent in mathematics
• Proven practical experience of relevant techniques required for the post and Good Laboratory Practice
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others
• Ability to organise and manage own work load after consultation with supervisor and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements
• Ability to work as part of a team but to perform under minimum supervision
• Awareness of Human Tissue Act (2004)
• Awareness of current relevant H&S policies
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages
• Willingness to work towards professional registration

Informal enquires to Carol Benham, email: c.a.benham@bham.ac.uk

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