Senior Research Technician – Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences – 106570 – Grade 5 Full-time NEW

Research Support Specialist

This full-time position (35 hours/week) is funded by the MRC for 3 years. The post is within the College of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences supporting the research work of Professor Jo Morris on the project Defining a new paradigm for regulating homologous recombination-dependent processes at DNA breaks and damaged replication forks.

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise a number of technical staff but even where you do not directly supervise staff you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.

You will need an in-depth understanding of the techniques and experimental protocols. Experience of cancer cell models and drug-sensitivity assays would be preferable. You will be able to use your in-depth knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures.

In order to flexibly use resource you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the Institute or College or wider university.

The role holder will provide support for the research undertaken by Professor Morris using a variety of techniques to include, but not exclusively:

• Cell culture
• CRISPR knockout and knockin
• Cell interventions (transfections/treatments)
• Molecular cloning techniques
• DNA gene cloning
• Plasmid generation,
• DNA purification and manipulation
• DNA sequencing
• Site-directed mutagenesis
• Molecular biology techniques
• PCR
• Western blotting
• Immunofluorescence
• Protein production and purification from bacteria and insect cells;
• Viral production (lentiviruses and retroviruses);
• Writing and updating SOPs
• Data handling and management
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students.
• Work to deadlines imposed by the PI or nominee and provide consistent results delivery
• Communicate results to colleagues
• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental laboratories.
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your manager for approval on any proposed changes.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including methodology and results.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research activity.
• Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
• You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. This may include being required to look after a communal area as part of your duties. Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.

• Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff (at all levels) on the correct usage of the equipment.
• Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
• Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for laboratory.
• Postholders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider or Fire Warden

Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.

• Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
• Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.

In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.

Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.

Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods stated above

Extensive proven experience of similar laboratory based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.

Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.

GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.

Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.

Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.

Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.

Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.

Understanding of Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.

Understanding of the Human Tissue Act and working to GLP standards

Proficiency in commonly used software packages.

Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace

Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures