Advanced Technician - Plant Biology

The Role and the Department

The Department of Biosciences is composed of academic staff and research fellows with research and teaching interests that span the broad spectrum of the Biosciences. The Department studies biology from the smallest to the largest scales; from the structures and functions of biological molecules, through to cells, tissues and organisms and to the entire global ecosystem. The interests of academic staff include all types of living organisms, from bacteria, through the plant and animal kingdoms, to human health and disease.

A laboratory technician is required to support research activities within the plant vascular development group based in the Department of Biosciences. The role is at 1.0FTE for an 8 month period, or can be part time with a concomitant increase in contract length. The research group has received funding to work with barley as a study system to understand how crops grow and develop. You will support this project, with a particular focus on aspects of barley transformation and tissue culture, and assist with day-to-day operation of the laboratory including tasks necessary to maintain plant lines under the guidance of academic staff. You will also contribute to ongoing experimental work and participate in group meetings.

The role requires good time management and communication skills, ability to work independently and as a part of a group. We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is willing to learn new things. Previous experience of laboratory-based work is essential. However, the role will include multiple opportunities to acquire new knowledge and technical expertise. This role will suit anyone interested in pursuing a career in laboratory-based work, either with a technical focus or with a view to progress to a research career.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.

What you are required to submit:

• A CV
• Optional - A supporting statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification

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