Research Technician

Location: Leeds - St James University Hospital / Main Campus

Working time: Part-time 0.5fte

Contract type: Fixed Term (Available until 31^st December 2027 - to complete specific time limited work.)

Are you looking for your next challenge? Are you interested in using model systems to understand human disease? Can you provide technical support to research projects and do you have laboratory experience which includes skills in cell culture as well as molecular, biochemical, tissue analysis?  

We are looking for a proficient technician to join the Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) research group. You will be part of a larger University and NHS team. MH is a pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle that is triggered by the commonly used inhalational anesthetics (e.g. isoflurane, sevoflurane) or the muscle relaxant succinylcholine. It presents predominantly in apparently healthy children and young adults undergoing general anesthesia as a syndrome of hypermetabolism, hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis that is fatal unless aggressive treatment with dantrolene is rapidly instituted. The project will investigate a novel knock-in Stac3 mouse model using a range of techniques. Understanding how Stac3 affects skeletal muscle function will not only allow us to facilitate diagnosis, and will allow better understanding of abnormal molecular and phenotypic responses. 

You will provide support for the research project, and be primarily responsible for the primary cell cultures. A substantial part of the role will be undertaken on primary cells as the post requires initial expansion of the cells to generate independent pure myoblast cultures from single animals of different genotypes of both sexes to produce n=18 cell lines. The primary myoblast culture is time consuming, routine work (SOPs established) and require daily maintenance. Accurate records of stocks and arranging shipment to collaborators at University College London will also be needed. The role requires working closely with a postdoctoral researcher to differentiate myoblasts to myotubes for experimental purposes. You will provide a supporting role in experiments: western blotting, qRT-PCR, cell imaging, and functional studies using dissected muscle samples.

Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role is not suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants. Information on other visa options is available via the Government’s Work in the UK page.

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.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

If you are looking for a cell culture laboratory-based role in an internationally recognised research group that combines the University research and NHS diagnostic team then apply today.

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

Philip Hopkins, Professor of Anaesthesia, Email: P.M.Hopkins@leeds.ac.uk

Marie-Anne Shaw, Associate Professor, Email: M.Shaw@leeds.ac.uk

Christine Diggle, Lecturer, Email: C.P.Diggle@leeds.ac.uk

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