At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team to improve brain cell models and conduct exciting experiments.
- Company: Keele University, known for innovation and a vibrant community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, excellent pension, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working practices and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cell culture experiments and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Disability Confident Statement: Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. In certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people.
About Keele University: Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2,000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world‑class research.
Technician Commitment: Keele is one of more than 35 universities and research institutions across the UK that have backed a pledge to support their technicians. The Technician Commitment is a sector‑wide initiative led by the Science Council and supported by the Gatsby Foundation, which aims to help address key challenges facing technical staff working in research. Five target areas have been identified, and the commitment will ensure greater visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians across all disciplines at Keele.
Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments, the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles. Please note this appointment is subject to medical clearance by the University's Occupational Health provider.
Role Overview: This post represents an exciting opportunity to join the Neural Tissue Engineering group in Keele University (NTEK), a cross‑faculty group across the School of Medicine and the School of Life Sciences. The post holder will work on a North Staffordshire Medical Institute funded research project to improve the clinical relevance of "BrainMix" – a mixed brain cell model developed by NTEK. The role will involve conducting primary brain cell culture, immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, data analysis and presenting data to the group. The post‑holder will also support general laboratory housekeeping and maintenance duties. The data derived from the post will underpin a commercialisation project with the goal to spin‑out BrainMix as a Keele University company. Therefore, there will also be a requirement for secure handling of information concerning protocols and data. You will have experience in planning, conducting, troubleshooting and analysing cell‑culture based experiments. You will be focused on achieving outcomes and delivering experimental and analytical work in a timely and professional manner.
Benefits:
- Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
- Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
- Excellent staff pension scheme
- Access to continued personal, professional and career development
- On‑site "outstanding" nursery
- Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
- Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)
Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above. The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.
Research Technician in Keele employer: Keele University
Keele University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within its renowned research community. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, staff members are empowered to grow their careers while contributing to meaningful research projects in a beautiful campus setting. The University also supports flexible working practices, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician in Keele
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Keele University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to research techniques and data analysis. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get that interview, make sure to express why you're excited about working in the Neural Tissue Engineering group and how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Keele community.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician in Keele
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Technician role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in cell culture and data analysis, to show us you’re the right fit for our Neural Tissue Engineering group.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills align with our goals at Keele University. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to BrainMix!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, particularly in immunostaining and microscopy. We want to see how you can contribute to our exciting research projects!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keele University
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into Keele University's research projects, especially those related to Neural Tissue Engineering. Familiarise yourself with the 'BrainMix' model and be ready to discuss how your skills in cell culture and data analysis can contribute to its development.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and data analysis. Bring examples of past experiments you've conducted, including any troubleshooting you faced and how you overcame it. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working in a cross-faculty group, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've communicated complex scientific concepts to team members or presented data in a clear and engaging way. This shows you're not just a technician but a valuable team player.
✨Understand the Commitment to Diversity
Familiarise yourself with Keele University's commitment to equality and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a diverse workplace and support the Technician Commitment initiative. This shows that you align with the university's values and are ready to be an inclusive member of the team.
