Senior Research Technician - Department of Cardiovascular Sciences Grade 5

Job Description

Position Details

Department of Cardiovascular 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 £30,062 to £31,900, with potential progression once in post to £35,883

Grade: 5

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2028

Closing date: 14th October 2026

This full-time position (35 hours/week) funded by British Heart Foundation. The post is within the College of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences supporting the research work of Dr Julie Rayes. The technician will be working with animal models of sickle cell disease, performing intravital imaging microscopy, processing organs for histology, performing cell isolation from blood and bone marrow.

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 techniques and experimental protocols. Experience of animal handling and models is required. 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 Institute or College or wider university.

• Animal models of sickle cell disease
• Intravital imaging microscopy
  • Performing experiments and imaging the brain in particular
• Histology
  • Fixation, sectioning and staining of both paraffin and frozen samples
  • Immunohistochemistry staining
• Flow cytometry
• Data handling and management
• 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
• Work to deadlines imposed by the PI or nominee and provide consistent results delivery
• Communicate results to colleagues
• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental 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 methodology and 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

• 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…