Research Technician

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 38,000

Job description

Job Purpose

To manage and provide specialist technical support to the BBSRC funded project on bioengineering models of human immune organs (e.g., lymph nodes, tonsils, bone marrow), as non-animal alternatives for drug development. To work with Dr Hannah Donnelly within the multidisciplinary Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment to provide technical and experimental expertise for this research project, involving management and handling of primary patient samples, cell culture, preparation and application of hydrogels and advanced microscopy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Undertake specialist technical aspects of the research projects as instructed by the PI and provide technical expertise in cell culture, handling of patient samples and microscopy as a member of the research group.
2. Provide specialist technical advice to the research team including research, teaching and technical staff, undergraduate and post-graduate/PhD students. Where required, support the supervision of students within the research group.
3. Be responsible for the management of technical aspects of the research project, including management of the research group resources.
4. Progress technical aspects of research objectives in accordance with pre-determined timescales as set out by the PI.
5. Independently generate ideas and implement agreed proposals for experimental strategies. Design and create experiments, systems, protocols, equipment and/or technical resources to support the delivery of research objectives.
6. Keep up to date with developments and technology advancements in topics related to the current research/technical areas and within the broader discipline to ensure contribution to research goals are optimised.
7. Be responsible for troubleshooting complex technical problems, including issues with the design and operation of technical resources and/or with the data which is generated.
8. Keep up to date with developments in relevant research/technical areas and within the broader discipline to ensure contribution to research goals is optimised.
9. Undertake complex data analysis, identifying trends, problems or anomalies, and present findings clearly to research group and contribute to publications.
10. Take day to day control of technical research budget, making informed decisions and advising on purchasing of capital equipment and consumables following consultation with appropriate colleagues.
11. Be responsible for the day-to-day management of and compliance with relevant Health and Safety and/or other specialist legal requirements. Maintain all necessary records in accordance with set requirements. Where relevant, keep up to date with developments or legal changes relevant to the work of the research group and advise and train group members as appropriate.
12. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/School activities as required.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the strategic plan and the Glasgow 2025 vision.

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 [Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma] or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
2. Demonstrable in-depth technical knowledge in relevant scientific or technical specialism – cell biology or immunology or bioengineering.
3. Up to date knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including but not limited to Health and Safety, CoSHH etc.

Desirable:

1. BSc Degree or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline.
2. Knowledge of cell engineering, bioengineering, hydrogels or immunology.

Skills

Essential:

1. Demonstrable specialised technical skills aligned to life sciences.
2. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner in a similar environment.
3. Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist software, such as imageJ.
4. Excellent communication and teamworking skills, both orally and written.
5. Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret technical requirements and adapt own style to meet the needs of others.
6. Ability to plan and prioritise a broad range of technical work to meet competing demands.
7. Ability to work independently, including the ability to use initiative and judgement to resolve problems.
8. Evidence of planning, organisation and prioritisation of own workload to meet the needs of the service and competing demands.

Desirable:

1. Highly developed specialist skills in handling and processing clinical samples, and primary cell culture including use of specialist equipment and techniques, including handling and disposal of clinical waste and other toxic and hazardous materials.
2. Interest and enthusiasm for learning new skills and developing parts of the research programme independently, such as in traction force microscopy.
3. Experience using techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry.
4. Experience using and preparing hydrogels.
5. Supervisory skills, with ability to impart knowledge and demonstrate skills to undergraduate students, postgraduate students and staff members.

Experience

Essential:

1. Significant relevant work experience within a similar environment, including evidence of previous professional development.
2. Experience of operating independently within set time scales.
3. Evidence of forward planning to maintain consumable stocks and anticipate inventory requirements.
4. Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of lab users.

Desirable:

1. Experience handing primary patient samples.
2. Experience working with bioengineering techniques, such as hydrogel preparation.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,482 - £37,174 per annum pro rata. This post is part time (21 hours per week, 0.6 FTE) and open ended with funding available up until 28th July 2027.

Closing date: 23:45 on Tuesday 29th April 2025