Senior Research Technician

Role Summary

This part time position is within the College of Medical and Dental Sciences, in the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research and will be supporting the research of Dr Cristina Ronchi. The project is funded by HRA Pharma and will be investigating ccfDNA in adrenocortical tumours. 

Main Duties

The role holder will provide support to the project and Dr Ronchi’s research group by using a variety of techniques to include, but not exclusively:

• Isolation of DNA & RNA from human blood and tissue
• DNA quality control and quantification
• Tissue and cell culture including primary and immortalised cell lines
  • Proliferation and apoptosis assays.
• Molecular biology
  • Quantitative real-time PCR
  • Western blotting
• Immunofluorescence and/or immunohistochemistry
• Library preparation and DNA sequencing.
• Use 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
• Diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures using own judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your supervisor for approval on any proposed changes.
• 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.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.

Person Specification

• Extensive relevant workplace experience, professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role especially the Human Tissue Act
• Working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures

Informal enquiries can be made to Carol Benham, email: c.a.benham@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button above.

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