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Research Technician - Institute of Inflammation and Ageing

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Salary
£23,406 - £29,107
Closing date
Dec 7, 2020

Job Details

Position Details

Institute of Inflammation and Ageing

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time FTC up to 2 years

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

Closing date 7 December 2020

Job Summary

I have funding to support a research technician through an Academy of Medical Sciences funded Springboard Award SBF005/1132 Gut microbiome dysbiosis and immune ageing: investigating associations and potential for novel therapies, starting 4/1/2021. The project will run for 2 years. The technician will support the project by being involved in participant recruitment and laboratory analyses, analysing immune cells using flow cytometry, real time PCR, fluorescence microscopy and ELISA. The technician will also be working on tissues that have been collected From in-vivo experiments.

Main Duties

RESEARCH - 75%

The candidate will support a Springboard Award to Niharika A Duggal on investigating associations between gut microbiome dysbiosis and immune ageing. He/she will work directly with NAD and embedded in her lab group in the University of Birmingham Research Labs located in the QE Hospital.

The candidate will analyse immune cell subset distribution and perform immune functional assays. He/she will
  • Support recruitment of volunteers for the study and will be responsible for arranging visits of the research participants for collection of blood and stool samples and functional testing.
  • Prepare stained cell suspensions for flow cytometry and sorting, and analyse gene expression using real time PCR.
  • DNA isolation and 16S RNA sequencing on stool collected from participants.
  • Perform ELISAs and Luminex analysis on serum and stool supernatants.
  • Experimental data will be recorded and analysed.
  • Analyse the cellular immune response using immunohistology and fluorescence microscopy on tissue samples from in-vivo experiments.

The technician will already be proficient in these techniques, or will be able to use and apply these techniques independently after being trained by experienced members of the lab.

This knowledge to be gained from extensive practical experience and formal qualifications.

The technical and/or other skills will vary according to the work area and support the requirements of research group. However it is expected that all appropriate/required knowledge/skill base will be delivered at the higher level and include but are not restricted/limited to the following
  • Safe working practices
  • Working to deadlines and providing consistent results delivery
  • Resolving problems that may affect the achievement of objectives and deadlines
  • Communicating results to colleagues
  • Providing support and guidance to junior members of staff and/or students
  • Maintaining good record keeping
  • An awareness of University & Trust Health & Safety policies and procedures (if applicable)

HEALTH AND SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES - 10%
  • Enabling staff and students, working within the area of responsibility, to 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, radioactive materials and schedule 5 toxins 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, 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.

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
  • 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

Informal enquires to Dr Niharika Duggal email: n.arora@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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