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

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £28,397 to £30,210, with potential progression once in post to £33,938

Grade: 5

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2026

Closing date: 5th January 2025

Background

This 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 Summary

You 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 Duties

• Research Duties

The role holder will provide support to 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.
• Assisting in managing the experimental laboratories.
• Advising on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students.
• Diagnosing and resolving problems and suggesting solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Carrying out specialist technical and experimental procedures and assessing the correct technique to use.
• Maintaining accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Complying with and promoting the operating procedures for the area.
• Contributing to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety Duties

• Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory.
• Fully understanding the safety aspects of equipment operation and training staff on correct usage.
• 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 relevant managers.
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy.
• Undergoing training as a First Aider or Fire Warden if asked.

General Administration and Organisation

• Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
• Proactively maintaining stocks of consumables and generating purchase order requisitions.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
• Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition.
• Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and inventories are up to date and maintained.
• Adopting a proactive attitude to assist with carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
• Maintaining relevant research lab databases/records.

Other Duties

• Taking an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.
• Supporting equality and valuing diversity.
• 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.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory-based work and familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• Positive service attitude and courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility.
• 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 them.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Understanding 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.

Dimensions

No direct line management responsibilities (other than occasional instructions to other staff/students) and no budget to manage.

Planning and Organising

Scheduling and organising your own work relating to the needs of the lab.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Delivering a service as agreed with line managers and carrying out daily research support as required.

Internal and External Relationships

Advising and supporting research staff and/or students, and with external contacts such as company representatives.

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.