Senior Research Technician - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 10

at  University of Birmingham

POSITION DETAILS

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £28,397 to £30,210, with potential progression once in post to £33,938
Grade: 5
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2025
Closing date: 24th November 2024

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE

• Experience of working within a laboratory environment particularly with clinical samples
• Experience of working with clinical trials is desirable
• Experience in the following areas is desirable: blood processing, nucleic acid extraction, cell free DNA extraction, qPCR and next generation sequencing.
• Experience of using automation would be an advantage
• High level of organisational skills is essential
• Good communication skills with a variety of stakeholders is essential
• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures

ROLE SUMMARY

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise a number of technical staff but even where you do not directly supervise staff you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.
You will need an in-depth understanding of the research questions, techniques and experimental protocols. You will be able to use your in-depth knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures.
In order to flexibly use resource you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider university.

MAIN DUTIES

• You will be responsible for liaising with trial units to provide consumables/materials as required.
• You will be responsible for compliance with individual trial protocols, including writing documentation as required.
• You will be required to process samples (including blood, tissue and faeces) in accordance with trial protocols.
• You will be required to perform sample testing, including but not limited to: nucleic acid extractions, quantification and quality checks, qPCR and next generation sequencing.
• You will be required to perform all administrative tasks associated with the trials plus any other administration required by the group.
• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental and laboratories.
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your manager for approval on any proposed changes.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
• You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

HEALTH AND SAFETY DUTIES

• Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. This may include being required to look after a communal area as part of your duties. Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.
• Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff (at all levels) on the correct usage of the equipment.
• Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
• Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for the laboratory.
• Post holders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider.

OTHER DUTIES

• In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.
• Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.