Research Technician - School of Biosciences - 106927 - Grade 5 in Birmingham

Overview

School or Department: School of Biosciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388

Grade: 5

Full Time / Fixed Term contract up to 31 July 2026

Closing date: 18 February 2026

Background

Fusion Forest is an ambitious, interdisciplinary research initiative funded through one of the UKRI Cross-Council Responsive Mode grants. The project aims to develop innovative approaches to reduce the impact of fungal diseases in forest landscapes, with a particular focus on forest trees and their ecosystems.

Role Summary

The Research Technician will provide essential technical support to the Fusion Forest project, a UKRI-funded interdisciplinary research initiative focused on reducing fungal disease impacts in forest ecosystems. The post-holder will work primarily within the Biosciences team, supporting laboratory and field-based research activities under the direction of academic staff and Research Fellows.

The role will involve routine and semi-routine laboratory work, including preparation of reagents, nucleotide and metabolite extractions, sterile work techniques and maintenance of laboratory equipment, as well as accurate recording and organisation of experimental data.

The post-holder will support the optimisation and implementation of protocols for work with tree systems, contributing practical expertise to improve efficiency and reproducibility of laboratory and field workflows.

The technician will work closely with Research Fellows, PhD students and academic staff, contributing to day-to-day project delivery and participating in regular team meetings to report progress and coordinate activities.

The Research Technician will contribute to the preparation and organisation of data for reports and scientific publications, ensuring that samples, records and datasets are well curated and available for downstream analysis.

In addition, the post-holder will support teaching and research training activities associated with the project, including assisting with undergraduate and MSc student practical work where appropriate.

Main Duties

• Collect research data: Support the planning and delivery of fieldwork to collect samples and data from forest trees. Assist with laboratory-based workflows related to metabolomics and transcriptomics under guidance from senior researchers.
• Support data analysis: Work with academic staff, Research Fellows and students to organise, process and quality-check research data. Assist with preliminary data handling and contribute to interpretation through accurate record keeping and technical insight.
• Contribute to research outputs: Support the preparation of research outputs by maintaining well organised datasets, sample inventories and experimental records. Assist with figures, methods descriptions and supplementary material for publications, and contribute to posters or presentations for internal meetings and project events.
• Develop and adapt techniques: Assist in the refinement and optimisation of laboratory and field protocols, particularly those related to tree-based systems. Implement new methods following training and guidance, and contribute feedback on practicality and reproducibility.
• Provide guidance and support: Offer day-to-day practical support to undergraduate and MSc students involved in laboratory or field activities, including demonstrating techniques, supporting safe working practices and helping students integrate into project workflows.
• Problem-solving: Identify routine technical or logistical issues arising during fieldwork or laboratory activities, and resolve them where appropriate or escalate to senior staff when needed to ensure continuity of project work.
• Administrative and organisational duties: Support project administration, including preparation of risk assessments, fieldwork documentation, sample tracking logs and compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Equality, diversity and professionalism: Contribute to a respectful, inclusive and supportive working environment by following institutional policies on equality and diversity, working collaboratively and treating colleagues and students with professionalism and respect.

Person Specification or Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

Education and Qualifications

A good first degree or Master’s degree, or equivalent practical experience, in Plant Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology, Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline.

Skills and Experience

• Practical laboratory experience relevant to plant or tree systems with experience of woody species such as ash and oak desirable.
• Ability to accurately record, organise and manage research data and samples, maintaining clear laboratory notebooks and digital records.
• Experience supporting research activities through preparation of materials, reagents and equipment, and efficient organisation of scientific resources.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues and students, and to follow instructions while working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and to applying inclusive and respectful practices in day-to-day interactions with colleagues and students.