Technician - Institute of Clinical Sciences

Position Details

Institute of Clinical Sciences

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 FTC up to 12 months

Closing date 3 January 2021

We are looking to fill this post ASAP so applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews will be held on January 11, 2021

Job Summary

The Neuro-Ocular Inflammation and Matrix Research Group investigates mechanisms of how unresolved inflammation and dysfunctional extracellular matrix can lead to diseases of the eye (glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and uveitis) and brain (cerebrospinal fluid disorders e.g. hydrocephalus and haemorrhagic stroke). Using the knowledge from their discovery science, they translate their work into developing new therapeutic and drug delivery approaches.

This exciting new position has become available to join the thriving Ophthalmology research group to conduct innovative research under the direction of Drs Lisa Hill and Hannah Botfield on a Medical Research Council funded project. This translational project will aim to develop novel ocular drug delivery modalities to develop better treatments for patients. The role of the post holder will be to conduct laboratory-based assays, collate and analyse data, present research outputs, contribute to publications and to provide general technical support to Dr Lisa Hill (the Principal Investigator).

Main duties

The post holder will be expected to provide a high level of technical support on projects developing anti-scarring eye drops for glaucoma. Laboratory work will be based within the Robert Aitken Building at the University of Birmingham and you will be part of a team of PIs, a post-doc and PhD students.

• To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups.
• To conduct research and collect research data under the direction of the principle investigator Dr Lisa Hill on a MRC CiC funded project based around testing novel ocular drug delivery technologies for treatment of Glaucoma.
• To analyse research data as requested.
• To present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof.
• Develop and adapt techniques, models and methods.
• Using techniques including cell culture, ELISA and Immunohistochemistry

General administration and organization:

• Maintain 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.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the role holder.

Health and safety/environmental issues:

• Ensuring areas of responsibility 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 etc. Ensure 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 or Lab Manager
• 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

Person specification

• Extensive relevant experience, degree or equivalent professional qualification in a life science subject
• In-depth practical knowledge of technical and scientific methods stated and Good Laboratory Practice gained through extensive experience
• Substantial practical and technical experience of applying relevant skills and techniques such as cell culture, ELISAs Immunohistochemistry and histology (essential)
• Collect research data through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, research interviews and publications
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others
• Proven ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements
• Proven ability to work independently but function as part of a team
• Proven ability to diagnose/ resolve problems and suggest solutions in own area, whilst having regard to the local
and wider interests
• Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels
• Knowledge of current relevant H&S policies
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages

Any informal enquiries can be sent to Dr Lisa Hill l.j.hill@bham.ac.uk

Further particulars can be found here: http://www.download.bham.ac.uk/vacancies/jd/MDSFPs.pdf

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

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