At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to advance muscle cell biology using cutting-edge imaging techniques.
- Company: Newcastle University, a global leader in research and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, health initiatives, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in pioneering research while collaborating with top specialists.
- Qualifications: Experience in cell culture and microscopy; strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 33002 £ per year.
Salary: £32,080 to £33,002 with progression to £34,610 per annum.
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 6 September 2026
The Role
Are you a laboratory technical specialist with a passion for imaging methodologies? Are you interested in joining a multi-disciplinary team working to establish correlative light and electron microscopy for the study of muscle cell biology? We are looking for a motivated technical specialist to join our dynamic research team. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with specialists in light and electron microscopy imaging and scientists at the forefront of pioneering research in metabolic and muscle diseases. Our goal is to determine how the structure of muscle cells impacts mitochondrial genetics and how in turn mitochondrial function impacts muscle cell structure and in particular nuclear position.
In this role, you will be based at our Newcastle Upon Tyne campus, which has fantastic transport links and state of the art facilities. You will join the world class, multidisciplinary Newcastle Mitochondrial Research Group, renowned for our extensive experience in characterising mitochondrial function in both health and disease. The group also includes a vibrant Young Scientists Group. Our researchers work in close collaboration with NHS clinical activities, bridging basic and translational science to advance the understanding of mitochondrial biology to develop new therapies for patients and families. The position is full time and available for a duration of 16 months in the first instance, starting in mid 2026. We recognise and support diverse personal circumstances and are open to discuss flexible working arrangements.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Knowledge and experience of mammalian and human cell culture techniques or work with tissue samples
- Knowledge and experience of light microscopy or electron microscopy
- Ability to prepare high quality samples for imaging analysis
- Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical role
- Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures
- Excellent team working skills
- Demonstrates technical and problem solving capacity
- Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines, with a positive and proactive approach to duties and diligence and attention to detail
- Ability to adapt to changes in laboratory research priorities
Attributes and Behaviour
- Tact, diplomacy and able to handle difficult situations
- Ability to meet deadlines with effective time and resource management
- Clear communicator and active listener
- Consistent and appropriate approach to staff and situations
- Use of feedback for process improvement and staff development
- Team player, self-starter and able to manage complex workload
- Ability to respond enthusiastically and positively to undergraduate students
Qualifications
- BTEC HNC / HND; or A' level (or equivalent) qualification; or broad work experience acquired through a combination of vocational training and considerable on the job experience, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding relevant roles
- Professional registration with an accredited professional body (including HEA) or working towards this on appointment (Desirable)
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Technical Specialist employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to diversity, employees benefit from generous holiday packages, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers in a vibrant academic community. Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the university provides excellent transport links and a dynamic atmosphere for those passionate about advancing scientific knowledge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Specialist
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Newcastle University. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Newcastle University!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Newcastle University that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Newcastle University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Newcastle University does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Newcastle University. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Newcastle University's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Newcastle University. This shows your passion for the industry!
