Research Technician - Department of Pharmacy - 108097 - Grade 4

This is a part-time, fixed-term Research Assistant position supporting a project on advanced pre-clinical models for boron-containing therapeutics for BNCT. Key responsibilities include laboratory research using mammalian cell culture and bioanalytical techniques, while maintaining health and safety standards. A Level 3 qualification and practical mammalian tissue culture experience are required, with ICP-MS experience being advantageous.

• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.
• Carry out techniques and experimental procedures as required by research staff, students and Principal Investigators, designed to contribute to a specific research project or projects.
• You will be expected to resolve problems in your area of expertise but also to recognise when problems need to be referred to more senior staff.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out, and of any other research activities you may be involved in, including results.
• Comply with any legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for the activity.
• Demonstrate techniques to other staff and/or students on the area of expertise as required.
• You will contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.
• You may be required to assist with PAT testing and calibration of equipment, and with updating equipment inventories.
• Maintain stocks of consumables and, if necessary, creating purchase order requisitions.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables and chemical reagents.
• Ensure that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems.
• Reporting any problems with equipment or services which cannot be resolved to the line manager as appropriate.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures where practicable.
• Other relevant criteria from our
• equality and diversity duties document.
• The successful applicant will undertake laboratory-based research involving advanced 2D and 3D tissue culture techniques, including the growth of spheroids and organoids to investigate drug responses, together with the preparation of biological samples for ICP-MS analysis.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post holder.

• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document.
• NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent level three qualification and specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• Experience of working in a laboratory-based teaching or research environment
• or be able to demonstrate the capability to participate in research projects.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload after consultation with manager.
• Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters, together with the communication skills to interact with a range of people, including students.
• Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines.
• The post-holder will be fully familiar with the safe handling and storage of laboratory materials.
• Good IT skills, having a familiarity with both Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS will be advantageous.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures relating to equality and diversity.
• Further particulars can be found here
• Further particulars can be found
• equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document
• Practical experience of mammalian tissue culture techniques, including aseptic working and competent laboratory pipetting skills.
• Demonstrable experience of accurate laboratory solution preparation, serial dilutions and volumetric techniques, with a sound understanding of Good Laboratory Practice.
• Familiarity with the use of a wide range of general laboratory equipment e.g. balances, pH meters, autoclaves, glass washing machines, microscopes, autosampling apparatus.
• Informal enquiries to James Coverdale, email: j.p.coverdale@bham.ac.uk
• James Coverdale, email: j.p.coverdale@bham.ac.uk