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 resources you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider university.

Main Duties

• Process samples using techniques that include assessing the quality and quantity of RNA and DNA samples using the Qubit and Agilent Tapestation.
• Set up next‑generation sequencing (NGS) libraries on the Illumina MiSeq, NextSeq and NovaSeq platforms.
• Carry out NGS library preparation on customer RNA and DNA samples.
• Work within the Olink Target qPCR‑proteomic service using the Olink Signature Q100.
• Work within the Olink Reveal/Explore NGS‑proteomic service using liquid‑handling robots and sequencers.
• RNA and DNA extractions from blood, tissue and FFPE samples.
• Support the colleagues currently overseeing the 10× single‑cell projects.
• Process tissue samples for 10× single‑cell to the single‑cell level.
• Use liquid‑handling robots on different projects.
• Learn new techniques such as Oxford Nanopore long‑read sequencing and single‑cell DNA technology.

Assist in managing the experimental and laboratories. Advise on methods and procedures used by researchers and/or students, communicating with colleagues and inexperienced students. Diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions regarding techniques and experiments. Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures, assessing the correct technique to use, and considering how these may be improved, referring to your manager for approval on any proposed changes. Maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures, and other research activities including results. Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity. Comply with and promote operating procedures for the area, including classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation. Contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety Duties

Provide proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory; look after a communal area as part of duties; comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date. Fully understand safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff on correct usage. Ensure regular maintenance processes are carried out and appropriate records maintained. Report breaches or non‑compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s). Uphold correct waste disposal stream governed by College and local policy for the laboratory. Post holder may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider.

General Administration and Organisation

Ensure 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. Ensure facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through appropriate channels. Maintain PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories up to date and maintained. Adopt 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 set‑up guides), keeping these up to date as and when session requirements or protocols change or maintain relevant research lab databases/records.

Other Duties

Take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff. Treat everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation. Any other duties as may reasonably be required. Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

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 workload 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.

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

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone.