Research Support Technician in Alternative Protein Processing

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Working time: 35 hours

Contract type: Fixed term (for 4 years from 1^st March 2025)

Are you enthusiastic, well organised and versatile, with a strong motivation to support alternative protein processing research? Do you have experience in working in a laboratory environment and want to use your skills and experience to support our busy research laboratories and help support our academic staff and industrial partners? 

We are looking for a NAPIC Research Support Technician to join a project funded by the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). NAPIC is a £38m entity (including a £15m UKRI investment) to lead the UK’s alternative protein knowledge and Innovation ecosystem. NAPIC’s vision is to make alternative proteins mainstream for a sustainable planet. The centre is led by the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London and the James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with over 100 national and international partners. 

You will be based on campus 5 days per week, to support the School’s expanding research portfolio in NAPIC activities across a range of laboratories at all School sites and collect data on processing of alternative proteins such as those derived from plants, algae, insects, fungi, bacteria etc. You will carry out analysis of research samples using a range of biological, chemical and physical protocols. You will also provide support and expertise to student research projects as well as industry-funded projects at all levels including sample collection, preparation and analysis using a variety of techniques both wet chemical and instrumental. You will also be responsible for maintaining equipment relevant to the research and project activities including servicing and procurement, and maintaining stocks of chemicals and consumables. In addition, you will produce standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, COSHH forms and other documentation required by research projects aims.

You will have experience of working within a laboratory environment, alongside a BSc or BTEC Higher or equivalent in a relevant subject. You will also have good organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team. You will have experience in using processing equipment (e.g. colloid mill, extrusion). Experience in working with food samples (meat analogues, protein dispersions etc) is desirable.

You may be required to work weekends to support Open Days and to maintain cell culture lines.

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 at: www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

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!

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

Professor Anwesha Sarkar, Project Leader, National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC)

Email: A.Sarkar@leeds.ac.uk

Miles Ratcliffe, Technical Manager

Email: M.Ratcliffe@leeds.ac.uk

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