We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Technician. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to state-of-the-art cytoskeleton research using biochemical, biophysical and cell biological approaches within a dynamic and inclusive environment.
You will be responsible for:
1) Expressing and purifying recombinant proteins using bacterial, insect and mammalian expression systems, and chromatography techniques including affinity, ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography.
2) Culturing and manipulating bacterial, insect and mammalian cells to support recombinant protein production and experimental studies.
3) Performing molecular biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, electrophoresis and Western blotting.
4) Conducting protein biochemistry experiments to investigate protein structure, interactions and function.
5) Providing technical guidance and support to laboratory members, including training and supervision, maintaining laboratory equipment and inventories, ordering and organising reagents and supplies, and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety procedures.
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.
- Strong experience in protein biochemistry e.g. recombinant protein expression using bacterial and/or insect-cell-based systems and protein purification using affinity, ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography.
- Strong analytical and quantitative image analysis skills, with the ability to interpret, evaluate and quantify scientific data effectively.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to prioritise a variety of activities, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of staff, students and visitors.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, using initiative and maintaining a high level of accuracy, attention to detail and experimental reproducibility.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience culturing and manipulating bacterial, insect and mammalian cells.
- Experience in molecular biology techniques e.g. cloning, PCR and site-directed mutagenesis.
- Experience with biochemical and molecular biology analysis techniques e.g. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
- Experience using light microscopy approaches e.g. total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF).
- Strong interest in mechanistic cell biology and biochemistry.
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: Beth Lawrence
Email Address: beth.lawrence@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
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.
