Research Technician - Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research

Position Details

Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

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

Band 500

Full Time/ Fixed Term Contract for up to 12 months

Closing date 3 January 2021

Job Summary

This post is funded for a period of 12 months to support Dr Smith's research in the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research.

This role will support research currently funded by the Wellcome Trust, which investigates how aberrant regulation of cellular signalling and trafficking leads to endocrine tumour development, progression and treatment resistance.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

RESEARCH - 75%

The role holder will provide support for the research undertaken by Dr Smith using a variety of techniques to include, but not exclusively:

• Management of murine colonies
  • Management and maintenance of mouse colony databases
  • Collection of samples for routine genotyping
  • Harvesting and processing of samples for storage by a variety of methods
  • Ensure animal project license is adhered to
• Culture of primary and immortalised mammalian cell lines without supervision
• Analysis of samples using basic molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting and immunohistochemistry
• Ensure the efficient running of the research group as a whole, through managing ordering of consumables and keep records of important stocks
• Always operate using safe working practices
• Work to deadlines imposed by the PI and provide consistent results delivery
• Communicate results to colleagues

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.
• 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

• Extensive relevant experience
• Professional qualification in an appropriate subject or a degree 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 Animals Scientific Procedures Act (1986)
• Knowledge of current relevant H&S policies
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages
• Willingness to work towards professional registration

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

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