Laboratory Technician; TC

Salary: £26,707 per annum, with an annual increment up to £30,378 per annum.

Position:
Laboratory Technician () – Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia.

The role involves characterising gut microbiomes related to wildlife biology, focusing on birds. Key duties include:

• Microbial culturing, DNA extraction and whole‑genome sequencing.
• Optimising culturing protocols and isolating microbial strains.
• Performing in‑vitro assays and phenotypic/biochemical testing.
• Preserving microbial strains for probiotic development.
• Managing sample collections, databases and maintaining detailed laboratory notes.
• Reporting results to the Principal Investigator and colleagues.
• Participating in departmental seminars and activities.

• Experience in microbiology and handling bacterial cultures.
• Experience with in‑vitro assays and phenotypic/biochemical testing.
• Experience in DNA extraction and preparing samples for next‑generation sequencing.
• Knowledge of unit conversion and dilutions.
• Meticulous aseptic technique.
• Basic data organisation skills in R.
• Experience with bacterial cultures and probiotics is advantageous.
• Additional relevant laboratory skills are advantageous.

The post is full‑time, on‑site, for 22 months starting 1 October 2026. Flexible working arrangements, including annualised hours, compressed schedules, part‑time, job share, term‑time only and/or hybrid working, can be discussed during the interview.

• 34 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary Days) – pro‑rata for part‑time.
• Family and Work‑life balance policies including hybrid working, maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
• Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants and incapacity cover.
• Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on‑campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Campus Facilities:
  Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
• Exclusive shopping discounts, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
• Personal Development: unlimited access to Linked In Learning courses and specialist advice and training from the Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
• Opportunity to work within the Centre for Microbial Interactions, part of Norwich Research Park, engaging in a dynamic and diverse research environment across a broad remit of microbial interactions.

Closing date: 20 July 2026

The University of East Anglia holds an Athena‑Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

For further information, including the Job Description and Person Specification, please see the attached Candidate Brochure.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Gabrielle Davidson. For more information on the group's research, visit the lab website.