Address
Form of work
SalaryPosition Details
School of Biosciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205
Grade: 6
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2025
Closing date: 7th April 2024
This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.
Background
- To work within the lab group of Prof. James McDonald (Biosciences) supporting and conducting research within the Principal investigator’s group.
- The role has two key facets: (1) managing the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, and (2) assisting with the delivery of research projects in the group (see specific details below).
Role Summary
You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support within Prof McDonald’s research group. You will oversee the day-to-day management of the research lab and facilities, and assist the principal investigator with training and supervision of researchers and students associated with the group. be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.
You will need an in-depth understanding of the research questions, techniques and experimental protocols. 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 occasionally need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures.
- Work within specified research grants and/or projects
- Operate within area of specialism
- Contribute to publications
Main Duties
- You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental and 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 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.
Health and Safety duties
- 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 the laboratory.
- Post holders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider.
General Administration and Organisation
- 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.
- Maintain a technical support based teaching laboratory website (how to guides for the preparation of materials, practical setup guides), and keeping these up to date as and when session requirements or protocols change or maintaining relevant research lab databases/records.
Other Duties
- 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.
Research-related duties
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
- Analyse research data as directed.
- Assist with the completion and delivery of the PIs research projects where appropriate.
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
- Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods.
- Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
- Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
- BSC in microbiology or a relevant subject area
- Practical experience in relevant skills and techniques: bacterial and fungal culture, quantitative PCR, DNA and RNA extraction, preparation and analysis of DNA sequencing libraries.
- Experience in lab management and organisation, and assisting undergraduate and postgraduate researchers
- Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
- Ability to access and organise resources successfully Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
Informal enquiries to James McDonald, email: j.e.mcdonald@bham.ac.uk
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