Research Technician - Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy

Position Details

• Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy
• Full time starting salary is normally in the range £23,699 to £25,458. With potential progression once in post to £29,471 a year
• Band 500
• Full time Fixed term up to 16 Months

Job Summary

We are looking for a highly ambitious, dynamic, enthusiastic and skilled research technician with a clear career ambition to actively participate and contribute to this exciting programme of novel immune markers discovery in autoimmune liver disease and drug induced liver injury with Transbioline grant under the remit of Pro Euro DILI Consortium.

The programme of research involves basic science discovery work with human blood and liver tissue to dissect the aetiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune liver disease and drug-induced liver injury with this prestigious Award.

The job will involve working in a multidisciplinary team with clinicians, research nurses (from Birmingham BRC), clinical research fellows, post-doctoral scientists, research technician and PhD students/intercalated medical students.

Flexibility of working time depending on research blood arrival, CyTOF skills, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry skills are desirable as the majority of work revolves around clinical samples (blood and tissue). Experience with CyTOF data analysis and flow cytometry are necessary skills for the job. Great communication skill is an essential component as the programme of research involves multiple collaborators in UK and abroad.

Main Duties

RESEARCH - 75%

• Understanding/experience in autoimmunity.
• CyTOF experience and formal training is required
• Deep immune profiling experience on tissue is required.
• Understanding how to interpret the data with different software is required
• To deliver targets with defined milestones for the project
• Flow cytometry experience is required
• GCP certificate is desirable
• Essential to have skills of great communicator and team player, leadership potential
• High-level analytical capability
• Competent in immunostaining, cell culture techniques, interpreting results, and ability to contribute to developing new techniques
• Flexibility in working is crucial as the programme of research relies on human tissue and blood availability
• Working together with post-doc and developing new methodology such as hyperion
• Ability to assess resource requirements in the group, purchase and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to activities of Institute, Birmingham BRC, and Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research.
• Resolving problems that may affect the achievement of objectives and deadlines
• Maintaining good record keeping
• An awareness of University & Trust Health & Safety policies and procedures (where 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 eyewash 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.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, and Experience Required

• 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 workload 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 Queries to Dr Ye Oo ( Y.H.Oo@bham.ac.uk )

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