Laboratory Technician

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £27,546 to £29,171, with potential progression once in post to £32,595

Grade: 4

Part Time (17.5 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to September 2029

The job will support a Rosetrees-funded research project investigating advanced pre-clinical models for the development and evaluation of boron-containing therapeutics for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The successful candidate will support the delivery of laboratory-based research, including mammalian cell culture and associated bioanalytical workflows, while liaising with the wider multidisciplinary project team. Full training will be provided in all project-specific techniques.

Previous tissue culture experience is highly desirable. Previous experience with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and liquid chromatography would be advantageous but is not essential.

The post will be based primarily within the Pharmacy Laboratories in the Robert Aitken Building (School of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health). Some project activities will also be undertaken within the Institute for Biomedical Research (Parsons Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health) and the postholder will work across both laboratory environments to support collaborative research and coordinate experimental activities.

You will provide technical support for research activities as required, utilising your technical skills and a wide range of techniques. You will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate research activity. In order to flexibly use resource, you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.

The successful applicant will undertake laboratory-based research involving advanced 2D and 3D tissue culture techniques, including the growth of spheroids and organoids to investigate drug responses, together with the preparation of biological samples for ICP-MS analysis.

• Carry out techniques and experimental procedures as required by research staff, students and Principal Investigators, designed to contribute to a specific research project or projects.
• You will be expected to resolve problems in your area of expertise but also to recognise when problems need to be referred to more senior staff.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out, and of any other research activities you may be involved in, including results.
• Comply with any legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for the activity.
• Demonstrate techniques to other staff and/or students on the area of expertise as required.
• You will contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

• You will be expected to uphold compliance with all University and local Health & Safety policies, including risk assessments and manual handling, reporting any breaches or non-compliance to the relevant manager.
• You will be expected to manage the safe handling and disposal of all materials used in research laboratories, including hazardous materials.
• If required, assist or prepare risk assessments and keep these up to date.
• You will need to maintain all records as appropriate.
• Carry out regular maintenance processes as appropriate.
• You may be required to assist with PAT testing and calibration of…