At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in generating bacterial strains for environmental applications and maintain bacterial cultures.
- Company: Join a leading UK institution focused on innovative environmental biotechnology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days annual leave, hybrid working, and access to health and wellbeing facilities.
- Other info: Access to personal development courses and exclusive shopping discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the planet while developing skills in engineering biology.
- Qualifications: B.Sc. in a relevant field or equivalent experience in growing bacteria.
The predicted salary is between 26707 - 26707 £ per year.
Starting salary from £26,707 per annum, with an annual increment up to £30,378 per annum. We have an exciting opportunity for a technician to join the School of Biological Sciences as part of the £12 million BBSRC funded Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre. The Centre brings together scientists and engineers from ten leading UK institutions, alongside industrial collaborators, in a mission to enhance and develop the natural abilities of micro‑organisms to clean up our planet. You will have the opportunity to develop a skillset in the growing field of engineering biology.
Responsibilities
- You will assist a senior postdoctoral associate in generating a wide range of bacterial strains for environmental applications, including compound production and bioremediation.
- Your primary role will be in generating reagents and growth media, and in maintaining and measuring bacterial cultures.
- Once experienced you will aid the senior postdoctoral associate in constructing plasmids and generating bacterial mutants.
Qualifications
- You should have a B.Sc. or be completing a B.Sc. in a relevant research area, or have equivalent experience.
- Specifically, we are looking for applicants with experience in growing bacteria and making solutions and agar plates.
This full‑time post is available from 7 September 2025 on a fixed‑term basis for 2 years.
Benefits
- 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days (pro rata for part‑time).
- Family and Work‑life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
- Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, medical centre, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
- Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
- Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
Closing date: 13 July 2026. The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.
For further information, including the Job Description and Person Specification, please see the attached Candidate Brochure. For an informal discussion about the post please contact Associate Professor David Lea‑Smith via d.lea-smith@uea.ac.uk.
Technician in Microbiology (TC949) in Norwich employer: UEA
The University of East Anglia offers an exceptional work environment for the Technician in Microbiology role, situated within the innovative BBSRC funded Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous leave policies, and extensive professional development opportunities, UEA fosters a collaborative culture that empowers staff to contribute meaningfully to environmental solutions while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technician in Microbiology (TC949) in Norwich
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like UEA, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like UEA, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at UEA.
We think you need these skills to ace Technician in Microbiology (TC949) in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at UEA.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Technician in Microbiology (TC949) at UEA.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at UEA.
How to prepare for a job interview at UEA
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at UEA.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at UEA are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
