Technician

at  University of Glasgow

JOB PURPOSE

To provide in-depth and specialist technical support to Dr Nigel Jamieson and his group which is focussed on multiple aspects of spatial biology, in particular spatial transcriptomics, cancer immunology and personalised medicine related to Pancreatic Cancer. Nigel Jamieson’s group, based at the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, is also part of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and is one of the largest volume spatial-omic centres in Europe.
The Jamieson Spatial Biology group uses cutting edge spatial transcriptomics platforms (Nanostring GeoMx, NanoString CosMx, 10x Genomics VISIUM, XENIUM, stereoseq) to accelerate preclinical and clinical development of novel therapies across a spectrum of cancers.
The primary aim of this role is to support the characterisation of premalignant pancreatic cancer tumours using spatial biology platforms; however, due to the leading-edge nature of our work, we also collaborate with multiple groups across the University of Glasgow Campus and with researchers across Europe. This role will therefore also support the spatial transcriptomics research component for a series of research projects and clinical trials.
This job will provide the applicant with outstanding experience in the highly desirable fields of spatial transcriptomics and spatial biology research. There will be extensive opportunity for personal development including close collaboration with technology experts from spatial biology technology companies and national and International Collaborators.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To carry out research and other duties in consultation with and under the guidance of the PI. These include standard techniques including, immunohistochemistry, nucleic acid isolation, and specifically more complex spatial-omic protocols aimed at addressing the project’s objectives.
2. Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of the lab to ensure an excellent experience for service users.
3. Develop in-depth technical knowledge, solutions, and advice to service users to maximise the learning experience and/or contribute to the delivery of research objectives on a series of Spatial transcriptomic and spatial Biology platforms including the Nanostring GeoMx and Nanostring CosMx and 10x Genomic VISIUM, Stomics STEREOSEQ.
4. Develop, create and test new equipment, systems, procedures, protocols, models and/or techniques. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems carrying out appropriate maintenance as required.
5. Design, plan and organise technical activities to meet the needs of service users within agreed timescales.
6. In liaison with relevant senior staff, monitor technical standards. Advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.
7. Ensure accurate experimental and laboratory records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly. Present findings accurately. This may include research and/or teaching related data.
8. To advise, train and provide guidance to service users in the best application and operation of technical resources.
9. Maintain appropriate stock levels, including appropriate preparation of samples as required, and purchase consumables and supplies within defined budget. Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials.
10. Where relevant, and in consultation with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical work-space and facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the completion of risk assessments and COSHH assessments, ensuring that all Health and Safety paperwork is completed timeously and recorded accurately, and implementing and adhering to all applicable health and safety policies, including specialist legal procedures for certain materials.
11. Work collaboratively with others, including within the wider College/Institute/School and where relevant with external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the research aims and support the broader strategic aims of the University.
12. Plan and prioritise day-to-day research workload: prioritising and scheduling of research material

IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, APPOINTMENT AT GRADE 6 WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE BELOW DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particular in relation to planning, coordinating and managing research projects with collaborators and external parties.
2. Undertake complex data analysis, identifying trends, problems or anomalies, and present findings clearly to research group and/or to wider audiences via presentations or within appropriate research publications.
3. Keep up to date with advances in the field of spatial-omics and apply this knowledge to technical activities to further enhance the learning experience and/or contribute to the delivery of research aims.
4. Experience managing collaborative research projects, from inception to completion.