Senior Research Technician – Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences – 105015 – Grade 5

Job title:

Senior Research Technician – Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences – 105015 – Grade 5

Company

University of Birmingham

Job description

Job Description:Position DetailsDepartment of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and HealthLocation: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UKFull time starting salary is normally in the range £28,397 to £30,210, with potential progression once in post to £33,938Grade: 5Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2026Closing date: 5th January 2025BackgroundThis role is within Jo Parish’s lab based in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences. You will join a dynamic research team with the aim of supporting the successful delivery of objectives relating to an MRC-funded project titled ‘Understanding oncogenic human papillomavirus episome persistence and immune modulation in tonsil epithelia.’ You are expected to support the undertaking of experiments in primary cell culture, Luminex assay development and tonsil organoid culture. Other activities will include the extraction of DNA/RNA/Protein for downstream analysis.Role SummaryYou will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise other technical staff but even where you do not directly supervise staff you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.You will need an in-depth understanding of the techniques and experimental protocols. You will be able to use your in-depth knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures.In order to flexibly use resource, you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider university.Main DutiesResearch DutiesThe role holder will provide support Professor Parish’s research group by using a variety of techniques to include, but not exclusively:

• Cell culture using primary and immortalised cell lines including organoid cultures and maintenance.
• Processing of samples into DNA/RNA/Protein for data analysis.
• Data interpretation and collation of results.
• Communication and presentation of research data.
• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental and laboratories.
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your supervisor for approval on any proposed changes.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
• You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety Duties

• Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. This may include being required to look after a communal area as part of your duties. Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.
• Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff (at all levels) on the correct usage of the equipment.
• Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
• Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for laboratory.
• Post holders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider or Fire Warden.

General Administration and Organisation

• Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
• Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
• Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
• Maintain relevant research lab databases/records.

Other Duties

• In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.
• Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Extensive relevant workplace experience, professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods stated above.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory-based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• 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 legislation relevant to the role especially the Human Tissue Act.
• Working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice.
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

DimensionsYou will have no direct line management responsibilities (other than occasional instructions to other staff/students) and no budget to manage.Planning and OrganisingYou will be able to schedule and organise your own work relating to the needs and requirements of the lab. You ensure that the lab has the resources required to successfully carry out research objectives, this will require planning ahead and the procurement of goods.Problem Solving and decision makingYou will be able to deliver a service as agreed with the line managers, carrying out daily research support as required. You will be expected to research, modify and adapt protocols after consulting relevant lab members, and prepare for research experiments. You will be able to uphold Health and Safety procedures. You will need to be confident in identifying problems, breaking them down and implementing solutions. Although you will work under the direction of more senior staff you will be able to carry out your work with a large amount of autonomy.Internal and External relationshipsThis role will be advising and supporting research staff and/or students, and with external contacts such as company representatives in relation to the procurement of goods.Further particulars can be foundInformal enquiries to Jo Parish, email:We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone .

Expected salary

£28397 – 30210 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:35:14 GMT

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