Technical Specialist - Department of Metabolism and Systems Science - 106557 - Grade 6

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full-time, Fixed Term contract up to 31 March 2027

Closing date: 11 February 2026

Role Summary

This full-time position within the College of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, in the Department of Metabolism and System Science supports the research project the Independent Centre for Evaluating Nonhormonal Contraceptives of Professor Kirkman-Brown and funded by the Gates Foundation for up to 18 months. The role focuses on the technical delivery and refinement of standardised sperm function assays. The postholder will join an interdisciplinary team with a goal to foster an inclusive research environment, where people and innovation thrive, creating a global impact. The postholder will work closely with senior academic and research staff to maintain high technical and quality standards across multiple complex assays and will contribute to assay optimisation, data collection, and reporting to project partners.

This post requires proven specialist knowledge of sperm handling, including sperm preparation assays (density gradient centrifugation, swim-up, microfluidic sperm preparation), and good laboratory practice. Practical experience or theoretical knowledge of sperm acrosome reaction assays is also required. There is a requirement to supervise and mentor junior support staff and students and to ensure compliance with local SOPs, College and local H&S policies to establish and maintain a safe and productive local working environment.

Main Duties

• Conduct and maintain standardised sperm function assays, including motility, acrosome reaction, sperm survival and viscous penetration tests, following established SOPs.
• Prepare and handle human sperm samples in accordance with ethical, safety, and governance requirements under the Centre for Human Reproductive Science Research Tissue Bank and HFEA Research Licence.
• Support the development, optimisation, and validation of new assay procedures and contribute to refining methodologies based on experimental outcomes.
• Assist in managing the experimental laboratories.
• Advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students; communicate with colleagues at a range of levels.
• Diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions regarding techniques and experiments.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures with judgment on technique choice and potential improvements, referring to Supervisor for approval on proposed changes.
• Maintain accurate records of techniques, procedures and results.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity and promote operating procedures, including handling of substances and mixtures and packaging regulations.
• Contribute to internal and external audit procedures and regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety duties

• Ensuring staff and students comply with all basic University/College Health & Safety policies.
• Comply with current rules and ensure required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.
• Understand safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to train staff on correct usage.
• Ensure regular maintenance processes are carried out and records maintained.
• Report breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
• Uphold correct waste disposal streams as governed by College and local policy for laboratory.

General Administration and Organisation

• Ensure records are accurate and up to date.
• Maintain stocks of consumables and generate purchase orders as required using University systems.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and reagents, in compliance with GCLP/GCP requirements where necessary.
• Monitor income and expenditure for the facility and report outcomes to the Facility Manager.
• Maintain a clean, functional and safe working environment; report problems through appropriate channels.
• Utilise online booking systems to optimise equipment use where appropriate.
• Ensure PAT testing, calibration and inventories of equipment are up to date.
• Adopt proactive carbon reduction and energy-saving measures.
• Maintain up-to-date protocol changes or relevant lab databases/records.

Other Duties

• In collaboration with the relevant manager, take an active role in training and mentoring junior or newly appointed staff.
• Support equality and values diversity; avoid discriminatory impact or bias.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Extensive relevant practical and technical workplace experience, professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• Substantial in-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods listed above.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory-based work and 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 work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role and H&S policies.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Understanding of equality and diversity in the workplace and the ability to identify and respond to related issues.

Dimensions

You will provide specialist expertise in your area and offer advice and support to a range of customers. You may supervise staff; you will be expected to act as a role model. You may be involved in budget monitoring.

Planning and Organisation

Work independently on daily, weekly and monthly tasks and on medium-longer-term projects with minimal supervision. Plan ahead and procure required resources.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

You will be able to research, modify and adapt protocols after consulting relevant manager. Identify problems, implement solutions, uphold Health and Safety procedures, and develop improvement programmes. Work with a degree 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 or collaborators.

Informal enquiries to Carole Benham, email - c.a.benham@bham.ac.uk

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We are also committed to sustainability, a key part of our strategy.