Senior Research Technician - School of Biosciences - 107715 - Grade 5

Job Description Position Details

School of Biosciences

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: 26th August 2026

The Ma group (  ), based in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham, studies mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transmission and maintenance. We are looking for a motivated candidate to join our dynamic group by performing benchwork (85%) and providing assistance on various lab logistics (15%).

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in biology, genetics or biochemistry, and some basic knowledge on mitochondrial biology. Previous experience in fly work, cloning and basic biochemical assays such as Western Blot are a strong advantage. The candidate is also expected to be organised and a good team player. This position will be supervised by Prof Hansong Ma.

• 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.
• Maintain Drosophila stocks.

• 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 laboratory.

• Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
• Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
• Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
• Maintain a technical support based teaching laboratory website (how to guides for the preparation of materials, practical setup guides), and keeping these up to date as and when session requirements or protocols change or maintaining relevant research lab databases/records.

• 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.
• Treats everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

• A Bachelor’s degree in biology, genetics or biochemistry.
• A master’s degree in biology, genetics or biochemistry is a not required, but a…