Research Technician (Molecular Microbiology) in Glasgow

The School of Infection and Immunity is seeking to appoint a Research Technician to support research activities in molecular microbiology and host‑pathogen interactions under the supervision of Dr Justine Rudkin (Principal Investigator). The post holder will contribute to the team’s research on the nasal microbiome, focusing on intra‑kingdom interactions between bacterial species and host‑pathogen interactions at the nasal epithelial cell surface. The role involves routine laboratory tasks alongside specialised research activities, requiring a consistent, hands‑on presence in the laboratory. The successful candidate will demonstrate academic curiosity, reliability, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving and lab organisation. They will contribute to experiments, lab organisation, and supervision and training of team members, including students, to support ongoing research.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical and research support to ongoing research projects within the lab.
• Design, plan, and carry out research activities to meet goals within previously agreed timescales.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate and reproducible records are kept.
• Present findings accurately, communicating progress, delays, and issues in a timely and constructive manner.
• Develop, create, and test new protocols, models, and/or techniques.
• Diagnose faults and troubleshoot experimental problems, carrying out appropriate optimisation as required.
• In liaison with the PI, advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.
• Take shared responsibility for the overall smooth and efficient running of the lab to ensure an excellent experience for all lab users.
• Contribute to maintaining lab stock levels, including appropriate preparation of specialised media and samples as required.
• Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials.
• In consultation with the PI and floor coordinator, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of workspaces and facilities, supporting risk assessments and COSHH assessments and completing Health and Safety paperwork timeously.
• Supervise junior staff where appropriate, and instruct, train and provide guidance to research staff and students in the techniques and operation of equipment and apparatus, as directed by the PI.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required.
• Keep up to date with advances in techniques and methodology and apply this knowledge to research activities to further enhance the delivery of research aims.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Essential: A1: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher / Scottish Vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate) or equivalent, with experience of personal development in a similar role.
• A2: Detailed technical knowledge and expertise in microbiology and molecular biology.
• A3: Up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation.

Desirable:

• B1: BSc Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

Skills

• Essential: C1: Demonstrable in‑depth technical skills aligned to the specified discipline or assigned research project.
• C2: Significant IT skills, including proficient use of Microsoft Office and other relevant data analysis software.
• C3: Well‑developed analytical and problem‑solving capability, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• C4: Proven interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to navigate issues constructively.
• C5: Excellent teamworking skills with experience of advising and/or supervising team members.
• C6: Ability to plan and prioritise workload, including multitasking to meet competing demands.
• C7: Significant relevant experience within a similar environment, either through work or study.

Desirable:

• D1: Ability to prepare complex lab reagents, including performing necessary calculations.
• D2: Openness to feedback, with the ability to reflect on and learn from experimental challenges.

Experience

• Essential: E1: Experience of understanding and interpreting the practical requirements for lab‑based experiments, and implementing appropriate methods to achieve research outcomes.
• E2: Experience of planning and organising own workload to meet competing demands.

Desirable:

• F1: Experience of culturing bacteria with good aseptic technique, preferably Category 2 pathogenic bacteria.
• F2: Experience of culturing and maintaining mammalian cell lines.
• F3: Experience of using fluorescent microscopy for live cell imaging.
• F4: Experience of using mass spectrometry to analyse protein composition.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5, £28,031 – £31,236 per annum. Full‑time, 35 hours per week; fixed‑term with funding available until 31 July 2028. Start date: 1 August 2026. Contact: Dr Justine Rudkin (justine.rudkin@glasgow.ac.uk). Note: this vacancy is not open to candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Closing date: 23:45 on Monday 1st June 2026.