At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide technical expertise and support for a dynamic research group.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research while mentoring and guiding others.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or extensive experience in laboratory work required.
The predicted salary is between 29647 - 31460 £ per year.
Role Summary
You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support for a group with 10-20 members. 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.
You will work closely with students and PDRAs in the group to ensure the efficiency and safety of their protocols, and assist them in equipment and experiment design, management and maintenance. You will be expected to continuously work on improving your familiarity with diverse instrumentation and techniques through interactions with manufacturers, their representatives and service technicians, and you will be provided opportunities to continue building your skills and up-to-date knowledge of relevant instruments and techniques through participating in relevant workshops and seminars.
In order to flexibly use resource, you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider university.
Main Duties
- group, in ensuring smooth operation of daily activities of the research group.
- Work independently or in team with the group’s Research Associate to maintain equipment, optimise equipment use, keep records of purchases and consumption of consumables such as laboratory (chemicals, reagents, solvents, small laboratory items) or office material.
- Work independently or in team with the group’s Research Associate to ensure effective and safe storage, as well as disposal of, of chemicals, solvents, other laboratory consumables and, if needed, equipment.
- You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
- You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
- Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
- GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
- In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and methods and laboratory management.
- Extensive experience of similar laboratory-based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
Informal enquiries to Trevor Hardy, email: t.a.hardy@bham.ac.uk
To apply, please use the Apply button online to download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application.
Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working
Salary: £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388
Senior Research Technician in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. As a Senior Research Technician, you will benefit from continuous professional development opportunities, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and the chance to collaborate with a dynamic team dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge. Located in a thriving academic environment, the university fosters a supportive atmosphere where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Technician in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of Birmingham, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like University of Birmingham. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Technician in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Birmingham. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Birmingham. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Birmingham. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Birmingham to drive research projects forward.
