Research Technician in Plant Molecular Biology at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

28 Oct, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Yes

Skills

Plant Development, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Team Collaboration, Advice And Guidance, Policy Implementation, Teaching Experience, Relationship Building, Health And Safety Compliance, Recombinant DNA Cloning, Quantitative Real Time PCR, Immunotechniques, Confocal Microscopy, Interpersonal Skills, Digital Competence, Problem Solving

Industry

Higher Education

Description

The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page. The Role and the Department The Biosciences department provides an outstanding environment for research and education, with a broad group of academics studying the breadth of the biological sciences, from cell and molecular biology in animals, plants, and microbes; to ecology, evolution and the environment. The vision for biosciences research is to focus on fundamental and cross-disciplinary science underpinning global challenges in climate change, food security, global health, sustainable bio-manufacturing, biodiversity and replacing animal models in research. The co-delivery of research-led teaching aligned to the aspirations of exceptional students itself promotes a broad-based, sustainability-centred research strategy informed by scientific advances and national and international priorities. Durham has a long-standing record of research in plant sciences. Our most recent research has provided insights into the regulation of embryogenesis and root development through hormonal control, vascular differentiation and development and epigenetic regulation of cell-specific gene expression in cellular differentiation. Various of our staff study plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses and help to develop crop protection technologies: This includes research on signaling via second messengers, posttranslational modification and control of gene expression in abiotic stress, responses to microbial pathogens and crop protection against invertebrate pests. Applications are invited for a Research Technician position in the group of Ari Sadanandom in the Biosciences department of Durham University, to carry out fundamental research in the field of molecular regulation of plant environmental adaptation. The post is a key part of major 5-year BBSRC programme BB/V003534/1 to understand the role of the SUMO post-translational modification in guiding plant adaptation. The project is a collaboration between Liverpool, Cambridge, Nottingham and Durham Universities. To address the question of how SUMO guides cellular adaptation to drought and salt stresses, the Durham’s team will conduct state-of-the art confocal and light-sheet microscopy studies in combination with single cell transcriptomics in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Results arising from this investigation will be integrated with the phenomics, ionomics and proteomics data generated by our research partners to decipher the SUMO-code and its function in guiding plant adaptation (Arabidopsis and rice). The overall team will involve plant biologists, omics experts and informaticians across the five institutions. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: • You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. • We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance. • We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. • We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16. • Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). • We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. • You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions. • Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. • If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience 1. A BSc in plant development, molecular biology, genomics or a related subject. 2. Industry or professional knowledge/recognition relevant to the role supported by relevant courses or certification. 3. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings. 4. Experience or ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues. 5. Experience of implementing policies and procedures. 6. Experienced practitioner who has led teaching/research projects working within an educational, commercial or industrial environment. 7. Extensive experience of relationship building and ability to turn opportunities into long-term knowledge exchange and collaboration. 8. Extensive knowledge and experience of monitoring your activities and others to ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to. 9. Experience in recombinant DNA cloning 10. Experience of Quantitative Real Time PCR and immunotechniques for e.g. western blotting 11. Experience in confocal microscopy Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 12. Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills 13. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems. 14. Committed to continuing professional development. 15. Regulatory, local and national professional knowledge and experience of compliance. 16. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions. 17. Professional knowledge and expertise in one or more areas of technical specialism, and the application of skills to create, build, construct and realise new and innovative resources, equipment and research outputs. 18. Demonstrable ability to deliver high precision technical skills and the operation of standard and complex scientific, technical and creative equipment. 19. Since this complex programme is extensively collaborative, Good communication skills are essential as the post holder will need to work well in a team and collaborate with other researchers in the Institute and across institutions, and to agree on goals and meet deadlines is essential. 20. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines. Desirable Criteria 21. Experience working with bacterial pathogens 22. Experience of working in rice 23. Experience of presenting research to peers 24. Evidence of publishing peer reviewed original research 25. Experience of using statistical tools to analyse data for e.g. excel, ANOVA 26. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research How to apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails What you are required to submit: A CV and covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above A copy of the most recent publications Contact details If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Dr Miguel de-Lucas would be happy to speak to you. miguel.de-lucas@durham.ac.uk Typical Role Requirements Service Delivery · Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values. · Ensure that the University’s procedures and values are always reflected in all aspects of the service and adapt ways of working where this is not evident. · Provide specialist advice and make decisions to resolve problems relating to the services you are responsible for. · Share technical knowledge and expertise to support other team members. · Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role such as and make recommendations based on your findings. · Provide the best possible service to staff, students and others who you work with by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service. · Collect, organise and record data and information accurately to provide reports. · Manage, maintain and monitor designated equipment, facilities, and systems to ensure safety, security and compliance. · Carry out specialist risk assessments and resolve incidents that require specialist expertise. Planning and Organising · Plan and organise your workload to deliver the role. · Deliver assigned projects in accordance with agreed objectives ensuring a high level of accuracy, complexity, originality and excellence. · Supervise the work of staff and teams involved in delivering events, project work or core operational service. · Seek feedback from staff, students and anyone else that you come across as part of your role to ensure that the service is updated to meet customer expectations. · Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services. Teaching and Learning Support · Commission, construct and setup test and experimental scenarios and practical sessions. · Construct, test, repair and calibrate, tools, resources, equipment, components and instrumentation. · Be an expert in the use of a range of machinery and equipment either physical, virtual or digital. · Provide high-level technical guidance and advice to solve problems and help shape the delivery of teaching, learning and research outcomes. · Arrange the maintenance of technical and experimental facilities, teaching and research environments. · Setup, demonstrate, instruct and supervise the use and operation of specialist pieces of equipment. · Record, monitor and collate information, analyse patterns and trends as part of teaching and research activities. Communication/Liaison · Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees. · Explain and demonstrate to others how to carry out tasks and use a range of tools, machinery, equipment and digital services. · Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks, which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills while swapping information with peers. · Build relationships with contractors and third-party suppliers to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives. · Any other reasonable duties. Useful links If you would like further information you may find the following will help Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Responsibilities

The Research Technician will conduct fundamental research in plant molecular biology, focusing on the role of SUMO post-translational modification in plant adaptation to environmental stresses. This involves collaboration with multiple universities and utilizing advanced microscopy and transcriptomics techniques.