Laboratory Assistant

This position is for BBSRC funded research and outreach projects focused on addressing plant responses to climate change in the Karnik laboratory within the School of Molecular Biosciences, in line with the School Strategy. The job role is suitable for a candidate with knowledge and skills in Molecular Biology, Protein Biochemistry and Microbiology.

Job Purpose

Provide research assistance within the group through expertise in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, protein purification, microbiology and cell assays. The candidate will contribute to day-to-day running of the laboratory and assist with the delivery of research objectives. Responsibilities will include regular laboratory maintenance, ordering, consumable stocking, data collection and digitisation. The candidate will also be expected to support public engagement activities led by the laboratory, contribute to student training and to undertake career development opportunities available to the University of Glasgow staff.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide specialist technical support for routine experimental techniques in molecular biology, protein biochemistry and protein purification, microbiology, including preparatory work as member of the research group.
• Progress technical aspects of research objectives in accordance with pre-determined timescales as set out by the PI.
• Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of the laboratory, co-ordinating purchases within defined budget, cataloguing of research resources and compiling data/information into digital formats as set out by the PI.
• In liaison with the PI / senior lab members collect digitise data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate records, laboratory lists and catalogues are regularly maintained, and databases are updated accordingly.
• Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems with equipment and research setups within the lab and organise repairs and carry out appropriate maintenance as required in liaison with the PI/ Research staff.
• Keep up to date with developments in relevant research/technical areas and within the broader discipline to ensure contribution to research goals is optimised.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels, indicating to senior staff and working in liaison with the senior staff for preparation of specialised media and samples as required.
• Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials. Where relevant, and in consultation with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical work-space and facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the completion of risk assessments and COSHH assessments, ensuring that all Health and Safety paperwork is completed timeously and recorded accurately, and implementing and adhering to all applicable health and safety policies, including specialist legal procedures for certain materials.
• Where required, support with supervision of students within the research group.
• Help with delivery of public engagement related activities led by the laboratory.
• Work collaboratively with others, including within the wider College/Institute/School and where relevant with external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the research aims and support the broader strategic aims of the University.

Essential Qualifications and Knowledge

• A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 [Advanced Higher / Scottish vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate] or equivalent.
• A2. Proven experience in working within a molecular/ biochemistry laboratory.
• A3. Knowledge of Molecular Biology including cloning, transformation and gene manipulation.
• A4. Knowledge of Protein Biochemistry, Protein handling, Protein Purification and ITC assays.
• A5. Knowledge of Microbiology techniques, cell assays and sterile cell culture techniques.
• A6. Knowledge of standard laboratory Health and Safety legislation.
• A7. Knowledge of data processing and analysis.

Desirable

• B1. Knowledge of working with plants.
• B2. Post graduate degree in molecular biology.

Skills

Essential:

• C1. Basic biological laboratory work skills, and specialist technical skills aligned to the specified discipline or research project.
• C2. Proficiency in communication verbal and written (English).
• C3. Ability to work within a diverse research team.
• C4. Ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet competing demands.
• C5. Essential IT skills as proficient user of Microsoft Office applications.
• C6. Teamworking skills and where relevant to the post, supervisory skills.
• C7. Proven ability of contributions to laboratory management.

Experience

Essential:

• E1. Experience in laboratory-based research in a similar role.
• E2. Practical experience molecular biology, sample preparation, protein biochemistry, protein purification, labelled media culture optimisation and ITC.
• E3. Experience in bacterial cell culture, buffer preparation, reagent preparation.
• E4. Experience with research data analysis.
• E5. Experience with microbiology and cell assays.
• E6. Experience in cell culture and sterile technique.
• E7. Experience in contributing to STEM outreach/ education for schools.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5, £26,338 - £30,805 per annum. This post is full time and Open ended with funding available for up to 12 Months from the start date.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
• An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.
• A flexible approach to working.
• A commitment to support your health and wellbeing.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University. We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too.