Senior Research Technician - College of Medicine and Health - 101225 - Grade 5 in Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,062 to £31,900, with potential progression once in post to £35,883

Grade: 5

Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 28th June 2026

Background

At the heart of Genomics Birmingham is a simple motivation: to facilitate excellent science. We are not a commercial contract research organisation; we exist to support researchers and reduce the risk associated with high‑cost, high‑impact experimental work. Our work is underpinned by a dedicated team of highly trained and experienced scientists. This expertise allows us to refine workflows, develop detailed and robust standard operating procedures (SOPs), and deliver reproducible, high‑quality data for both fundamental and clinically focused research.

Birmingham Genomics has state-of-the-art facilities with newly acquired equipment such as 10x Chromium and 10x Visium (in collaboration with BTA). The core facility has Illumina sequencers (MiSeq, NextSeq 2000 and NovaSeq 6000), an Oxford Nanopore sequencer (PromethION) and an Olink Signature Q100. Some QPCR and CellRad instruments are run on an “instrument access” model centrally, with library preparation and sample preparation carried out within each core. We also have liquid-handler robots: the Hamilton NGS Star, the SPT Dragonfly and the Formulatrix F.A.S.T and two bead-handler machines (Thermofisher Kingfishers). We have access to a cloud-based HPC facility on site (Bear CLOUD), as well as a dedicated research data network.

This post sits within the CMH Infrastructure and Facilities team in Genomics Birmingham. The post-holder will provide support to Genomics Birmingham’s proteomic, transcriptomic and genomic services.

Role Summary

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise a number of 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 research questions, 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

• You will be responsible for processing samples using some of the following techniques (full training will be provided with continuing support):
• Assessing the quality and quantity of RNA and DNA samples using the Qubit and Agilent Tapestation.
• Setting up next generation sequencing (NGS) libraries on the Illumina MiSeq, NextSeq and NovaSeq platforms.
• Carrying out NGS library preparation on customer RNA and DNA samples.
• Working within the Olink Target qPCR-proteomic service using the Olink Signature Q100.
• Working within the Olink Reveal/Explore NGS-proteomic service using liquid handling robots and sequencers.
• RNA and DNA extractions from blood, tissue and FFPE samples.
• Supporting the colleagues currently overseeing the 10X single cell projects.
• Processing of tissue samples for 10X single cell to the single cell level.
• Using liquid handling robots on different projects.
• Be involved in learning new techniques as the Genomic service expands such as Oxford Nanopore long read sequencing, and single-cell DNA technology.

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 manager 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 the laboratory. Post holders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider.

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 a technical support based teaching laboratory website (how to guides for the preparation of materials, practical setup guides), and keeping these up to date as and when session requirements or protocols change or maintaining 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. Treats everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation. Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant life sciences discipline.
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) 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, 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 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 current legislation relevant to the role.
• 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 university policies and procedures relating to equality and diversity.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in handling cells/tissue culture.
• Experience with NGS techniques such as library preparation and using the Illumina platforms.
• Experience extracting and assessing RNA and DNA samples.
• Knowledge of 10X single cell technology.

Informal enquiries to Samantha Tull, email: s.p.tull@bham.ac.uk

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