Research Technician

Overview

The role:

We are seeking to appoint a Research Technician to support work on a UKRI-funded programme dissecting the molecular mechanisms underpinning the ability of tick-borne Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria to subvert host cells and lead an obligate intracellular lifestyle. This project uses protein-structure, function and molecular cell biology approaches to determine how effector proteins enable intracellular survival. Our pilot research indicates that

A. phagocytophilum effectors remodel the host cytoskeleton and can inhibit apoptosis, contributing to intracellular lifestyle. A short overview video is available here:

The Research Technician will be based in the research group of Dr Ian Cadby and will play a central role alongside a post-doctoral researcher. The role is for 12 months in the first instance, with potential for extension.

• Provide research support to a BSL2 protein biochemistry and host-pathogen interactions laboratory.
• Support recombinant protein expression, protein purification, and protein characterisation/interaction and/or eukaryotic cell biology components of a UKRI-funded project.
• Carry out specialised laboratory techniques and training of others where required.
• Ensure laboratories are prepared for experimentation and compliant with Health and Safety and other legislative or policy requirements.
• Support the up-keep and improvement of the laboratory environment and workflows.
• Work with supervision, and, once trained, operate independently to achieve pre-defined goals and report to the group leader.

• Experience in recombinant protein expression, purification, and downstream analyses and/or eukaryotic cell biology.
• Experience working in a research laboratory with laboratory techniques, process improvement and problem solving.
• Good IT skills, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and work under pressure.
• Ability to carry out procedures accurately and in a timely manner, and contribute to process improvement.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision toward pre-defined goals.
• Proven accuracy in completing tasks and strong communication and inter-personal skills.
• Experience with laboratory maintenance such as ordering and stock checks is advantageous.

• Contract type:
  Open ended with fixed funding until 30/09/2027.
• Shift pattern: 35 hours per week.
• Advert closes at 23:59 UK time on 30/07/2026.
• For informal queries contact Dr Ian Cadby (Senior Research Fellow):

Salary: £28,778 to £32,080 per annum, Grade:

F.