We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Research Technician is required to join the Centre of Excellence in Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, based at the University of Manchester. You will work closely with a research team working on a NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) funded project, led by Professor Stephen Eyre and Professor Richard Warren, which aims to characterize genetic variants that confer risk to psoriasis and other dermatology diseases using functional genomics, with the ultimate goal of identifying the genes that cause these diseases, the mechanisms by which disease-associated SNPs alter their target genes, novel therapeutic targets and the genetic determinants of treatment response.
You will be responsible for:
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provide technical support as directed, in a range of project specific research activities including: the running and troubleshooting of experiments (e.g. isolation of cells from human cartilage, cell culture, DNA and RNA extractions, PCR and qPCR, Hi-C, CUT&Tag, ATAC-Seq, RNA-Seq, CRISPR)
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the maintenance, use and teaching of research associated equipment,
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to assist team members to keep laboratory stocks at an appropriate level and to assist team members in ensuring that staff and students operate safe working practices, ensuring health and safety compliance within the laboratories.
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
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A qualification at QCF level 6 (such as a bachelor’s degree) in a relevant biological science subject or QCF level 2 passes (such as GCSE’s) in English and Mathematics and at least one Science subject and some relevant experience of working in a research laboratory
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Demonstrable experience in a research setting of:
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Isolation of primary cells from human clinical tissue samples (e.g. human blood, human skin),
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Human cell line culture
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nucleic acids extraction (DNA and RNA),
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PCR and qPCR
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Cloning and plasmid mini-preps
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Flow Cytometry
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Willingness to work flexible hours during occasional weekdays, when processing of clinical samples demands.
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Knowledge of and compliance with relevant Health and Safety regulation, the Data Protection Act, Standard Operating Procedures and risk assessments including COSHH risk assessments.
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Good written and spoken English.
Desirable Criteria
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Practical experience in one or several of the following laboratory techniques: cloning, transfection of mammalian cells, gel electrophoresis, next generation sequencing library preparation, mammalian cell culture, lentivirus production, chromosome conformation capture techniques (e.g. 3C, Hi-C), chromatin immunoprecipitation, ATAC-Seq, FACS, flow cytometry
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Competent computer skills, including data analysis and basic statistical tools for data analysis.
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Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
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Experience in handling and presenting large datasets.
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Experience of designing, developing and planning experimental work.
We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.
Our benefits include:
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Generous employer pension contribution
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Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays
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Purple Place employee discount platform
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Rachel Watkins
Email Address: [email protected]
General enquiries and administrative support
[email protected]
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
