Research Technician

This fixed-term Research Technician position involves implementing gene editing techniques like CRISPR and epigenomic profiling (CUT&Tag, ATAC-seq) for a Cancer Research UK project on super-enhancers in leukemia. Responsibilities include supporting experimental work, maintaining lab stocks and safety documentation, and contributing to lab sustainability initiatives. Applicants need prior research experience with molecular/cellular biology techniques, PCR, and cell culture.

• The role requires a talented Research Technician to work on a Cancer Research UK funded project investigating the role of super-enhancers in the development and maintenance of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
• The role will be based at the Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre and integrated within a wider multidisciplinary technical community across the Faculty of Medical Sciences, overseen by the technical manager.
• The technician work as part of a team to implement gene editing techniques to investigate how super-enhancer dysregulation contributes to B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
• The project applies sophisticated gene editing techniques such as CRISPR together with CUT&Tag and ATAC-seq experiments for functional analysis of patient derived models.
• The successful candidate will support a broad range of laboratory activities including molecular and cellular biology techniques, cell culture and state-of-the-art epigenomic profiling techniques.
• The technician will also be responsible for the maintenance of COSHH and BioCOSHH forms, laboratory stocks of chemicals, media, and other consumable requirements.
• They will also become actively involved in ensuring the labs are running sustainably and contributing to the renewal of our LEAF award.
• This post is offered as a 100% FTE fixed term position for 3 years from the start date. Applicants who wish to work less than full time may be considered.
• To be responsible for day-to-day management and support of experimental work involving patient derived models of leukaemia
• To support the relevant epigenomic profiling techniques used by the wider team to conduct relevant experiments (initially under supervision, and then independently)
• To support CRISPR gene editing approached used by the group to conduct relevant function experiments (initially under supervision, and then independently)
• To keep accurate, secure, detailed and up to date records of all work carried out under the guidance of research staff
• Provide specialist institute support for the use of specified pieces of equipment including maintenance, troubleshooting, designing detailed SOPs and training for staff and students
• Maintain laboratory stocks of chemicals, media and other consumable requirements. Initiating orders within specified laboratory ordering procedures using the P2P system to order goods and services for the research projects in the group
• Ensuring correct storage and handling of bio-chemicals, biological materials and organisms. Responsible for the safe disposal and storage of hazardous waste in accordance with local rules and legal requirements. Responsible for reviewing and updating COSHH and BIOCOSSH forms for the group
• Carry out any additional grade appropriate duties as required by the Director or Institute senior technical staff including contributing to our annual LEAF application

• Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
• We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.
• At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.
• We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.
• We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
• In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
• Ability to work independently
• Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, and experience of safe waste management within a laboratory
• Prior research experience with demonstrable work experience in techniques such as PCR, sterile cell culture and nucleotide isolation
• Excellent team-working skills
• Willingness to learn new techniques as required
• Familiarity with or a willingness to learn epigenomic profiling techniques
• Familiarity with or a willingness to learn CRISPR gene-editing techniques
• BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent in relevant subject or equivalent experience
• Previous technical laboratory experience
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject –preferably biomedical