Research Technician

The Byron Lab within the School of Biological Sciences wish to appoint a laboratory-based Research Technician to contribute to an exciting project exploring the regulation of nuclear function by actin-associated adhesion proteins.

We seek a motivated and collaborative molecular cell biologist to investigate how regulation of the cytoskeleton at the nucleus controls cell behaviour and gene expression. During this position, the post-holder will undertake a range of molecular and cell biological activities, including use of recombinant DNA technology, RT-PCR, cell imaging and biochemical and proteomic techniques to characterise cytoskeletal and nuclear protein localisation and function in mammalian cells, including skin cancer cells.

You will be responsible for:

• Carrying out and assisting staff and students with standard experimental protocols.
• Supporting the smooth running of laboratories, including general housekeeping duties.
• Collating and storing accurate records using paper- and computer-based systems, and analysing and preparing data for inclusion in presentations and publications.
• Contributing to the group’s progression by providing feedback and input to experimental design and development.
• Carrying out risk assessments for the preparation and use of reagents, chemicals, equipment and procedures by self and others in the research group.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• A qualification at QCF level 6, such as a bachelor’s degree, in a relevant biological science subject; or QCF level 2 passes, such as GCSEs, in English, Mathematics and at least one science subject, supported by substantial relevant research laboratory experience.
• Practical experience in a range of relevant specialised techniques, including molecular biology, cell culture, immunoprecipitation, western blotting, brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, PCR and RT-qPCR.
• Knowledge of, and compliance with, relevant Health and Safety regulation, the Data Protection Act, Standard Operating Procedures and risk assessments, including COSHH risk assessments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to deal effectively and politely with staff, students and visitors.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise a variety of work activities in a busy environment and meet strict deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

• Practical experience in one or several of the following laboratory techniques: histology, immunohistochemistry, live-cell imaging, super-resolution imaging, image analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, retroviral transduction, sample preparation for mass spectrometry, sample preparation for gene sequencing.
• Good statistical skills.
• Experience of working with animal and/or ex vivo and/or in vitro models of disease.
• Willingness to attend and contribute to research group and staff meetings.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• 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.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Dr Adam Byron

Email address: adam.byron@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

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.