Senior Technician (Synthetic Biology and Genomics)

This position forms part of Manchester’s development of synthetic biology approaches for next generation biotechnology, and will be based in Professor Patrick Cai’s (yizhi.cai@manchester.ac.uk) research group. The group is located in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), a unique cross-disciplinary research institute at the University of Manchester, which brings together more than 450 researchers with expertise in the foundational sciences supporting Synthetic Biology, including molecular biology, chemistry, engineering, materials science, computer science and medicine and as such is at the forefront of international developments in the emerging science of Synthetic Biology.

The Cai laboratory has pioneered the design, construction and characterization of completely synthetic eukaryotic chromosomes. The group is actively exploring new applications of artificial chromosome technology, including the generation of novel natural product-like chemical matter. The Cai lab was recently awarded an ARIA grant to develop synthetic plant artificial chromosomes, and a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Global Challenge pilot grant to develop artificial chromosome-based strategies for discovery of novel anti-TB agents. We are now seeking to recruit a skilled Senior Technician to join the team with a good understanding and practical experience of modern molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.

The purpose of this role is to:

• Provide expertise in lab media preparation, particularly specialised yeast media (e.g. SC, YPD, etc), and perform cell culture for bacteria, yeast and plant cells as required.
• Support and assist our ongoing research projects where required, in the area of synthetic biology and genomics, under the supervision of the PI.
• Work with the PI to ensure full compliance in microbiological health and safety procedures and be responsible for training / oversight of correct microbiological techniques.
• Assist the PI in scheduling management / coordination, as well as organising research group activities, including lab meetings and other events, lab inductions, and ensure safety systems and procedures are kept up to date and relevant.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations and manage the co-ordination of a growing and diverse research group to keep the research environment functional, compliant and well organised.

• Generous employer pension contribution
• Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays
• Purple Place employee discount platform

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

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Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Derren Heyes

Email: Derren.heyes@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.