Specialist Technician (Virology)

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £32,982

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to June 2026

Closes: 23^rd October 2024 

We seek to appoint a Specialist Virology Technician to work with the research groups (primarily the Jones Lab) in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. The appointed will work as part of an EPSRC funded project aimed at the design, synthesis, characterisation and testing of polymers as antivirals. Their role will specifically be focused on supporting the virology aspects of this funded project and the wider research group.

You will have the enthusiasm and the ability to work with confidence to support the delivery of world-class research in microbiology (primarily virology). The post holder will undertake a range of activities from supporting research, enabling the laboratory to function efficiently, maintaining and operating laboratory instrumentation as well as leading on health and safety matters in a laboratory environment.

The postholder will work as part of an EPSRC funded project aimed at the design, synthesis, characterisation and testing of polymers as antivirals. Their role will specifically be focused on supporting the virology aspects of this funded project and the wider research group.

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise a number of technical staff but even where you do not directly supervise staff you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.

Main duties

• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental (class II) biological laboratories within the School of Chemistry.
• You will be required to support activities within class I biological labs more widely within the School of Chemistry. 
• You will use your 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. 
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Previous knowledge of virology, and associated techniques, is essential for this position.
• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) or relevant technical qualification and relevant experience - where no equivalent qualification is held, extensive proven practical and technical experience in a similar role will be required.
• Extensive proven practical experience in a relevant scientific, technical or IT specialism.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly, and to analyse information and data.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries to Katherine Twiggs (Technical Manager) K.B.Webb@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' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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