Research Technician - Microbiology

About the Role

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission.

Role summary: The Research Technician will carry out various microbiology and molecular biology duties to support ongoing research across the Ecosystems and Geobiology (EGL) and Gass Laboratories in the STEM faculty. You will work closely with the research staff and students to enable the delivery of the Faculty’s research objectives whilst ensuring good laboratory practice at all times by maintaining cleanliness and stock supplies.

You will record data and carry out basic analyses as directed by the Laboratory Manager.

• Support with the curation of the microbial culture collection and incoming field research samples.
• Support with general microbiology including preparing anaerobic media and cultures.
• DNA extraction from both environmental samples and isolated microorganisms using bespoke in-house protocols.
• PCR amplification and preparation of products for sequencing.
• Sequence samples with the Sanger Sequencer.
• Manage the orders of consumables and support the Laboratory Manager with the laboratory budget.
• Be the Waste Champion for the team and work with the H&S Laboratory Manager to organise hazardous waste disposals.
• Recording of data and basic analyses as requested by the Laboratory Manager.
• Ensuring good laboratory practice by maintaining cleanliness and stock supplies.
• Supporting lab visitors and students in the use of equipment and analysis of samples.
• Providing additional support to research staff and students within the Group as required.
• Assisting with field work as required.
• Assist with consultancy work as required.
• Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.
• To have a strong commitment to health and safety in a laboratory environment.
• To have a strong commitment to sustainability in a laboratory environment.
• To undertake other duties, as agreed by the Laboratory Manager.

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree in a STEM subject (preferably microbiology, molecular biology, environmental or biological sciences with a strong element of microbiology).
• Proven laboratory experience.
• Demonstrable practical experience of working within a Higher Education / scientific research establishment.
• Practical experience in technical support.
• Relevant technical knowledge of equipment and techniques typically used in microbiology and molecular biology laboratories.
• A good understanding of Health & Safety legislation, and its application in a relevant laboratory environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills, with the ability to influence others over whom there is no formal authority.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrable organisational, planning and problem-solving skills, including ability to anticipate and analyse problems and introduce workable solutions.
• Proven ability and capacity to adapt quickly, flexibly and effectively to change.

Desirable:

• Applicants should have or be working towards professional registration RSciTech, RSci or CSci.

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on or email  quoting the advert reference number.

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (note: this link opens a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

This role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes campus and the post holder will be required to work from the Milton Keynes campus 5 days per week.