Senior Research Technician - Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes - 107532 - 10753[...] in Birmingham

Position Details

Department: Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Salary: £30,062 to £31,900 (maximum Grade 5 salary £31,900)

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term up to June 2027

Closing date: 21st June 2026

Job Description

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 techniques and experimental protocols. You will be able to use your 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

• Research duties

• Basic molecular biology techniques
• Western blotting
• DNA cloning
• PCR and gel electrophoresis
• Quantitative immunoblotting
• Flow cytometry
• DNA/RNA extraction
• Microbiology
• Writing and updating SOPs
• Data handling and management
• Assist in managing the experimental laboratories
• Advise on techniques and experimental procedures used by researchers and/or students, communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students
• Diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures, use judgement to assess the correct technique to use, and consider improvements, referring to the manager for approval of proposed changes
• Maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out, 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

• Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory, including 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 (at all levels) on correct usage of equipment.
• Ensure regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
• Report any breaches or non‑compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
• Uphold correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for laboratory.
• Post holders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider or Fire Warden.

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 the appropriate channels.
• Ensure 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 keep 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.
• Support equality and values diversity, moderating own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Practical experience of Western blotting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry and DNA/RNA extraction.
• Extensive relevant workplace experience in molecular microbiology, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*-C) 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 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 policies and procedures.

Dimensions

You will provide specialist expertise in your area and provide advice and support to a range of customers. You may supervise staff; even where you do not have supervisory responsibilities you will be expected to act as a role model for other staff. You may be involved in budget monitoring.

Planning and organising

You will be required to work independently on daily, weekly and monthly tasks but also on projects with medium-longer-term horizons without daily supervision. You will ensure that you have the resources required, which will require planning ahead and procurement of goods.

Problem solving and decision making

You will be able to research, modify and adapt protocols after consulting relevant manager, and prepare for research experiments. You will be able to uphold Health and Safety procedures. You will need to be confident in identifying problems, breaking them down and implementing solutions. Although you will work under the direction of more senior staff you will be able to carry out your work with a large amount of autonomy.

Internal and external relationships

This role will be advising and supporting research staff and/or students, and with external contacts such as company representatives.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

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.