Research Technician - School of Biosciences

School of Biosciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £23,406 to £25,143 with potential progression once in post to £29,107

Band 500

Full Time/Fixed Term Contract for 2 years

Closing date: 16th December 2020

Christine Foyer's lab is based in the School of BioSciences at the University of Birmingham. Christine's lab works on plant stress biology, seeking to understand the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that allow plants to withstand a wide range of environmental stress factors such as drought, heat and high light. We are recruiting for a talented laboratory technician to join this team, to work on a project funded by UKRI. The title of this project is: ZIRON Pulse: Upscaling adoption and exploitation of a wide diversity of Iron and Zinc-rich beans by rural populations in Africa. This is a full-time post for 1 year, although there may be the opportunity for successful candidates to work for 50% for 2 years if preferred and extend their role within the group at the end of this period, subject to external funding.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will have a keen interest in research in the area of plant biology and the desire to contribute to novel cutting-edge studies investigating fundamental plant biochemistry and molecular physiology, with a view to crop improvement. The post-holder will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher (Dr Barbara Karpinska) to conduct experiments to characterise plant (particularly beans) responses to environmental change. Techniques to be employed will include plant phenotyping, biochemical assays and cell biology, RNA extraction and qPCR, protein analysis by SDS PAGE and immunoblotting and molecular cloning of DNA plasmids. The candidate is expected to develop a strong understanding of the research area and conduct experiments independently after an initial training period. This post is ideal for someone looking to enrich their research experience and contribute as a co-author to scientific publications, as well as contributing to teaching in practical sessions.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below:

• To conduct high-quality research under the guidance of a postdoctoral researcher within an active research group, working in the area of plant stress biology.
• To grow wild type, mutant and transgenic plants as required for seed production and further analysis.
• To undertake shoot and root phenotyping.
• To assist others and/or perform own experiments utilising the lab's expertise in molecular and cell biology and immunofluorescent cell imaging.
• To engage in experiment planning, executing and evaluation.
• To actively and independently stay up to date with the current literature.
• To maintain careful records of all experiments.
• To communicate efficiently with all team members and the wider Institute community.

Other duties:

• 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 Laboratory Managers in identifying and tracking items held on the University asset register.

General laboratory organisation, Research support and administration (10%)

The post holder will assist with the daily administration and organisation of the work area, and will be expected to:

• Assisting with the general upkeep of group's laboratory area (including overseeing health and safety, ordering, attending to equipment repairs, plus other housekeeping matters as required).
• Maintain and developing as necessary key laboratory databases (strain collections, plasmids, antibodies, reagents, risk assessments etc.).
• Assist where necessary with rapid and accurate archiving of incoming research materials.
• Maintain stocks of laboratory consumables; this will involve ordering, assisting with preparation (including sterilisation where necessary) of reagents, collection of goods and materials from the College Stores and other areas, overseeing receipt and correct storage of consumables and materials.
• Ensure that the laboratory facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe state, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is routinely maintained and fully-functional.

Health and Safety (8%)

General Workplace Health and Safety

• Understand and comply with foundations of health and safety including responsibility for health and safety under the HASWA.
• Understand and comply with risk assessment & control including COSHH assessments.
• Complete risk assessment and implement controls including for COSHH.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of personal protective equipment e.g. face mask, fume hood.
• Understand and practice fire and electrical safety procedures in the workplace.
• Understand and practice safe manual handling and repetitive activities, including DSE.
• Understand Hazardous area classification & DSEAR regulations and how they apply within their area of responsibility.
• Understand and comply with site and local emergency procedures.
• Understand and comply with the University's safety policies and procedures.

Laboratory Safety & Housekeeping

• Work safely in a laboratory and follow aseptic laboratory procedures where required.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping.
• Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required.
• Understand and follow risk assessments.
• Understand and comply with laboratory health and safety and compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical requirements.

Environmental Management

• Understand the management and control of laboratory waste.
• Understand the handling and disposal of chemical substances.
• Understand environmental risk assessments (impact assessment).

Quality

• Understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to their work.
• Perform laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as Standard Operating Procedures.
• Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including calibration where required.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required

• A degree in a Biosciences related subject, preferably with some experience in plant biology.
• Extensive relevant experience, degree or equivalent professional qualification in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE (A*- C) or equivalent in mathematics.
• In-depth practical knowledge of technical and scientific methods stated above and Good Laboratory Practice gained through extensive experience and formal qualification.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory based work.
• Positive service attitude and shows 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 H&S policies.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Willingness to work towards professional registration.

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