Research Technician

The postholder will provide technical support to the Fouracre Group within the School of Biological Sciences. The overarching research aim of the Fouracre Group is to understand how developmental timing is regulated in plants. To do this the lab uses the process of vegetative phase change as a model developmental transition, predominantly in Arabidopsis thaliana. The key purpose of this role is to establish Camelina sativa (false flax), an emerging oilseed crop, as an additional experimental system for the study of developmental timing within the lab. As Camelina naturally produces high levels of omega 3 oils, understanding and improving its developmental processes has great potential to improve human health. You will therefore carry out fundamental analyses of Camelina development with a view to improving crop yield. The postholder will be expected to manage specific research projects semi-independently, diagnose and solve experimental problems, develop and maintain genetic resources, work effectively with other lab members and support the training of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The postholder will use a variety of standard experimental techniques to carry out detailed genetic analyses of Camelina and Arabidopsis development. Essentially, the role will require the generation and characterisation of transgenic plants. To achieve this the necessary techniques include DNA/RNA extraction, amplification and quantification; molecular cloning, plant phenotyping and RNA-sequencing library preparation. Detailed recording of results and experimental methods is essential. You will also help to train other members of the research group as necessary and provide technical support for additional projects where required. This position is for a fixed term of 1 year at 0.8 FTE, with considerable flexibility over work patterns.

• You have experience of working in a molecular biology laboratory
• You have knowledge of modern molecular and genetic techniques
• You have experience of working with plants and/or enthusiasm for using plants as experimental systems
• You have good IT skills
• You have excellent organisational skills
• You enjoy working with others to solve research problems

For informal enquiries please contact Jim Fouracre ([email protected]).

We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

The postholder will provide technical support to the Fouracre Group within the School of Biological Sciences. The overarching research aim of the Fouracre Group is to understand how developmental timing is regulated in plants. To do this the lab uses the process of vegetative phase change as a model developmental transition, predominantly in Arabidopsis thaliana. The key purpose of this role is to establish Camelina sativa (false flax), an emerging oilseed crop, as an additional experimental system for the study of developmental timing within the lab. As Camelina naturally produces high levels of omega 3 oils, understanding and improving its developmental processes has great potential to improve human health. You will therefore carry out fundamental analyses of Camelina development with a view to improving crop yield. The postholder will be expected to manage specific research projects semi-independently, diagnose and solve experimental problems, develop and maintain genetic resources, work effectively with other lab members and support the training of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The postholder will use a variety of standard experimental techniques to carry out detailed genetic analyses of Camelina and Arabidopsis development. Essentially, the role will require the generation and characterisation of transgenic plants. To achieve this the necessary techniques include DNA/RNA extraction, amplification and quantification; molecular cloning, plant phenotyping and RNA-sequencing library preparation. Detailed recording of results and experimental methods is essential. You will also help to train other members of the research group as necessary and provide technical support for additional projects where required. This position is for a fixed term of 1 year at 0.8 FTE, with considerable flexibility over work patterns.

• You have experience of working in a molecular biology laboratory
• You have knowledge of modern molecular and genetic techniques
• You have experience of working with plants and/or enthusiasm for using plants as experimental systems
• You have good IT skills
• You have excellent organisational skills
• You enjoy working with others to solve research problems

For informal enquiries please contact Jim Fouracre ([email protected]).

We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.