Technician

Job Purpose

To provide in-depth technical expertise in parasitology, cell, and molecular biology and provide advice on the set up and best operation of equipment and procedures to aid delivery objectives.

This post is based within the School of Infection and Immunity, working under the supervision of Dr Megan Sloan (Principal Investigator) whose main research focus is the role of mRNA binding proteins in the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide in-depth technical support for mammalian and parasite (Toxoplasma gondii) cell culture.

2. Provide assistance and technical support relating to molecular biology, including working with RNA, DNA and proteins.

3. In liaison with laboratory manager to maintain the group’s laboratory equipment and diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems relating to equipment, techniques, procedures, and protocols.
4. In liaison with the PI, advise, implement, and evaluate improvements to existing protocols relevant as required.

5. Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate research records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly.
6. Plan and organise day-to-day work to ensure that the experimental goals are delivered within previously agreed timescales.

7. To supervise junior staff, where appropriate, and instruct, train and provide guidance to research staff and students in the techniques and operation of equipment and apparatus as directed by the supervisor, lab manager or PI.
8. Contribute to the well organised functioning of the laboratory and assist the PI/laboratory manager in maintaining the stock levels and purchasing consumables and supplies, within budget, and in consultation with other members of the group.

9. In consultation with the PI/laboratory manager, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the laboratory area and facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the completion of risk assessments and COSHH assessments, ensuring that all Health and Safety paperwork is completed timeously and recorded accurately, and implementing and adhering to health and safety policies, as determined by the University and the Health and Safety Executive.
10. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and departmental research group activities.

11. Keep up to date with advancements in technology and methodology, continually updating technical knowledge.
12. Be aware of and comply with Equality and Diversity policies of the University of Glasgow.

The above duties are not exhaustive, and the post-holder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the PI/line manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher / HNC, SVQ 3), or equivalent in relevant science subject

A2. Detailed technical knowledge of molecular and cell biology.
A3. Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation.

Desirable:

B1. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 9 (BSc Degree, SVQ Level 4) or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline.

B2. Knowledge of Equality and Diversity policy.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Skills in cell and tissue culture, including preparation of solutions.

C2. Skills in molecular biology.

C3. IT, including familiarity with Microsoft Office programs and relevant databases.
C4. Demonstrable analytical and problem-solving abilities.

C5. Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
C6. Numeracy and literacy skills.

C7. A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
C8. Excellent organisational and time management skills and an ability to prioritise workload to meet competing demands.

C9. Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Desirable:

D1. Skills in RNA extraction or next generation sequencing.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Significant relevant work experience in a research laboratory.

E2. Laboratory experience in core molecular biology techniques, in particular molecular biology including bacterial culture, primer design, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction.

E3. Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of staff and students.

Further Enquiries

Any further enquiries on this post may be directed to Dr Clare Harding via email ([email protected])

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5, £25,138 - £29,605 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 1 year

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.