Research Technician - Cardiovascular Sciences

Position Details

School of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity 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
Band 500
Full time/Fixed term until 31st August 2024
Closing Date: 19th September 2019

Job Purpose

This post is funded for a period of 5 years to support Dr Brill's research in the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences

This role will support research currently funded by the British Heart Foundation Senior Basic Science Fellowship to Dr. Alexander Brill which studies the role of the innate immune system and, in particular, mast cells, in thrombosis.

The role holder will contribute to the study through the management of murine colonies and their tissue banks along with a variety of cellular and molecular biology techniques.

Main duties

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
• Harvesting and processing of samples for storage by a variety of methods
• Ensure animal project license is adhered to UK regulations of animal handling and experimentation

Molecular and cell biology techniques and in vivo methods such as:
• RT-qPCR
• Western blotting
• Histology and immune-histology
• Assistance in experiments to obtain in vivo and in vitro platelet functional data
• in vivo thrombosis assays
• Platelet aggregation and secretion
• Platelet adhesion and spreading
• Flow adhesion
• Flow cytometry
• Isolation of murine and human blood cells
• 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, 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 Animals Scientific Procedures Act (1986)
• Knowledge of current relevant H&S policies
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages
• Willingness to work towards professional registration or already has Science Council registration

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health prior to appointment.

For informal inquiries please contact Carol Benham, C.A.BENHAM@bham.ac.uk

Further particulars can be found on the link below
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'