At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to explore centromere biology and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Company: Be part of the Naish group at Warwick University, a leader in plant science and genomics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career mentoring, and opportunities for collaboration and presentation.
- Other info: On-campus role with state-of-the-art facilities and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make impactful discoveries in molecular biology while working with cutting-edge techniques.
- Qualifications: Molecular biology skills and experience with various lab techniques are essential.
The predicted salary is between 34610 - 34610 £ per year.
About the Group
You will join the Naish group in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University. The candidate will work in a team of scientists and collaborate with group members to make discoveries. Regular opportunities will be provided for presentation of the candidate's work, together with regular career-mentoring. The Naish lab shares space with the groups of Prof. Miriam Gifford, Vardis Ntoukakis and Jose Gutierrez-Marcos, who research related questions in plant epigenetics. The laboratory is situated in SLS on the Gibbet Hill campus in UoW and houses state-of-the-art facilities. The University of Warwick is also a major centre for both plant science and genomics, providing extensive opportunities for collaboration and presentation of research findings and further career development and growth.
Note: This is an on-campus based role; due to the nature of the work, we cannot accommodate any work from home basis.
About the Role
We're looking for an enthusiastic research technician with molecular biology skills to join a small team studying centromere biology, how the region of the chromosome that drives its own inheritance is specified, and why it varies so much between and within species. You would support two projects: a Wellcome-funded investigation of how genetic and epigenetic variation influences centromere function in Arabidopsis thaliana, and a UKRI-funded project exploring alternative centromere structures in marine plankton. You would work closely with postdoctoral researchers and PhD students and would be recognised as a contributor on the work you support.
The ideal candidate would have competency in a range of multidisciplinary molecular biology techniques in the lab including:
- Cloning (PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, restriction digests and ligation, Gibson assembly, bacterial transformation and culture, plasmid prep)
- Routine genotyping from sample collection through gDNA extraction to PCR
- Genetic transformations
- Nanopore Sequencing
- General plant husbandry and plankton cell culture maintenance
The post is available for two years in the first instance, with the possibility of further extension.
About You
We are looking for someone to provide technical support to post-doctoral research staff and principal investigator undertaking research projects. The successful candidate will be required to perform various routine and higher-level molecular biology techniques in the lab including:
- Cloning (PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, restriction reactions, ligation reactions, Gibson assembly, bacterial transformation and culture, plasmid purification, and Sanger sequencing)
- Genotyping (collecting material, genomic DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis)
- Genetic transformations
- Nanopore Sequencing
- General plant husbandry and maintenance of plankton cell cultures
Closing Date: Sunday 18 October 2026, 11:59 pm
Salary: £31,236 to £34,610 per annum
Senior Research Technician (112170) in Coventry employer: UAG
Queen Mary University of London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters academic excellence and innovation. With opportunities for professional development and the unique experience of teaching in both London and Hainan, China, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on students' academic journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Technician (112170) in Coventry
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Technician (112170) in Coventry
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 UAG 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 UAG.
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 UAG 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 UAG
✨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 UAG. 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 UAG'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 UAG. This shows your passion for the industry!
