Research Technician

Research - Technical Services

We seek a dedicated and self-motivated individual who thrives in a team environment to join our research group.

This full-time role is available immediately on an open-ended basis linked to external funding which ends 1st July 2027 and will provide direct support to the molecular biology research activities in our Geography department on the University of Exeter Streatham campus.

Summary of the role

You will integrate a team investigating the microbial mechanisms involved with sequestering and storing Carbon within agricultural soils as part of a larger research programme between Exeter and industrial partners. Your Research Technician role will further support the ongoing Nature Based Solutions (NBS) research being conducted in Exeter.

Your role will involve a range of molecular biology and DNA/RNA sequencing techniques to monitor the dynamics of microbial communities from soils in natural and laboratory environments.  Temporal analysis of the soil microbiome under experimental conditions will enable identification of the key microbes and functional pathways responsible for carbon sequestration. You will be responsible for sample collection and handling, performing appropriate nucleic acid purifications and preparing sequencing libraries. Furthermore, you will help keep instruments maintained, operational and the laboratory suitably stocked for the planned research activities.

The role may also involve supporting the wider research programme and wider Geography technical team where appropriate.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

This role may be subject to additional background screening.

The University of Exeter is a proud supporter of the Technician Commitment, a charter focussing on the visibility, recognition and career development of our technical staff. For further information please see our website.  

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City .

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 39 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Dr. Richard Tennant [email protected]