Lab Research Technician - Biosciences

Position Details

School of Biosciences

Life and Environmental Science

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £22,722 to £24,411. With potential progression once in post to £28,259 a year

Part time 50% FTE

Fixed term for 3 years

Closing Date: 18th August 2019

Job Purpose

The post-holder will provide general and specialised research technical assistance to Dr Yun Fan's research team and will make a significant contribution to Dr Fan's lab research, funded by BBSRC, on understanding regulation of apoptosis-induced cell proliferation, a phenomenon relevant to regeneration and cancer. Individuals aiming at a PhD level of research experience are encouraged to apply. The post will be held in the School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, which is where Dr Fan and his research group are based.

Main duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlines below.

Research

The main duties of the post holder will be to support research in the group as designated by the principal investigators. This will include and not be restricted to:

• Conducting genetic analyses, molecular biology, biochemistry and imaging etc. as required to characterise novel regulators of apoptosis-induced proliferation in Drosophila models;
• Analysing and preparing data to help with publication of research results;
• Analysing and presenting data and work in the form of short written reports or orally within the group at internal meetings;
• Training students and new members of the group in basic genetic and laboratory techniques;
• Maintenance of laboratory Drosophila stocks in appropriate good health conditions and with careful record keeping;
• To assist with making fly-food if required and its associated tasks should the need arise;
• Participate in outreach activities to disseminate the findings from this project to the wider public.

General laboratory support

The post-holder will provide general research assistance to Dr. Fan's research team including:

• Maintenance of Dr Fan's allocated laboratory areas, associated rooms and facilities in a clean, functional and safe state.
• Provision / supply of reagents and materials (eg. solutions, media, pipette tips, other consumables etc).
• Preparation and delivery of reagents and materials as required;
• Collection of goods and materials from the School Stores and / or from other locations;
• Placement and progress-monitoring of orders;
• Maintenance of group services- and materials-usage records for costing purposes;
• Packaging and posting of reagents and materials to other research groups outside of the University as required.
• Routine waste disposal in accordance with local Health & Safety (H&S) guidelines.

Support for Technical Training

• Instruction of staff or students in technical processes or procedures as required;
• Participation in the University's technical training or other programmes pertinent to this post as required / directed.

Person Specification

• A degree in biological science disciplines with lab research experience is required.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work supportively and collaboratively with colleagues and team members
• Ability to learn and perfect new techniques easily and good bench work skills;
• Computer literacy (Word, excel, powerpoint);
• Basic laboratory health & safety awareness;
• Some knowledge of basic molecular/cellular/biochemical methods;
• Excellent organisational skills and demonstrable presentation skills.

For further information please contact Dr Yun Fan, y.fan@bham.ac.uk