Research Technician in Reproductive Biology and Embryology

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Contract type: Fixed Term (until 16^th April 2026 - to complete specific time limited work.)

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an early career researcher or senior technician looking for a challenge? Can you provide advanced technical support to an exciting new project focused on reproduction and embryology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities and collaborate with NHS partners?

The University of Leeds is one of the top 80 universities in the world. We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities. Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a multidisciplinary team working on a project funded by the Medical Research Council.

Oncofertility is a new field of research and clinical treatment which aims to preserve the fertility of female and male patients who are undergoing treatment with cancer therapies and who are at a high risk of future fertility loss as a side effect of their cancer treatment. Girls and young women can elect to safeguard their future fertility by cryopreserving some of their ovarian tissue at the time of their cancer treatment. At a later date, when they are in remission they can have their ovarian tissue returned as a transplant to restore their fertility. For some individuals with blood bourn cancers, ovarian tissue transplant risks reseeding the original cancer. Fertility restoration for this group of patients will in the future be achieved by the new technology of the in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes.

As a research technician on this project, you will work alongside the postdoctoral researchers, research technicians and senior scientists. You will undertake research involving the cryopreservation and culture of ovarian tissue, ovarian follicles, oocytes, embryos and sperm. You will use associated reproductive technologies, cryobiology, histology, and molecular biology methods to test the health and function of the oocytes and embryos you freeze and grow in the laboratory. The position will allow you to develop skills and experience in the exciting, new area of clinically relevant research and will provide a supportive environment for your career progression.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

Interview date will be 17^th December 2024.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Helen Picton, Professor

Email: H.M.Picton@leeds.ac.uk

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