UNICIL Research Technician (with option to undertake a PhD)
This full-time Wellcome funded, fixed term post is available from 01 September 2026 for a period of 47 months in the Living Systems Institute.
The starting salary will be from £30,628 on Grade D, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. UK home level PhD fees for the duration of the project are also available.
Notably, the successful candidate has the option of enrolling as a PhD student, with the University (student tuition fees and research costs fully funded) and we would welcome applications from candidates who are interested in undertaking a PhD thesis during the 47-month duration period. Please see the additional personal requirements relating to this option in the job description.
The University wishes to recruit a Research Technician to take a key role in the recently awarded UNICIL (UNIty and diversity of MultiCILiary function) project to support the work of Prof Kirsty Wan (www.micromotility.com) and funded by the Wellcome Trust.
The project focuses on researching the biophysics of cellular motility in species of ciliated or flagellated microorganisms, with particular emphasis on exploring novel associations with human ciliopathies. You will be expected to engage in creative, experimental research activities including but not restricted to: microbiological culturing (particularly algae and protists), microfluidics, standard molecular biology techniques, quantitative imaging, optical and fluorescence microscopy, and microfluidics.
This post represents an excellent opportunity to experience the dynamic and stimulating research environment of Exeter’s flagship Living Systems Institute, and to participate in cutting-edge research. Technical training (e.g. computational skills) will be provided where required, to promote the highly interdisciplinary nature of this work.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with teams of researchers and must be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to research.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Further information
Please contact Kirsty Wan, Professor of Cellular and Biophysical Dynamics and UNICIL Project lead,
[email protected].
Please be advised that due to the minimum salary thresholds imposed by the UKVI, this post will not qualify for university sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have a visa which permits the right to work in the UK. Further details can be found on the Home Office website - https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are an existing Skilled Worker visa holder, we may be able to sponsor and will review the transitional arrangements - https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/certificate-of-sponsorship-before-4-april-2024.
Research Division
The Research Division is a key enabler to the delivery of the University's Strategy 2030, the Research and Impact Strategy, successful REF performances, and generating external research income, by:
- supporting the full research project lifecycle from inception to impact
- offering research infrastructure support
- providing leadership for the Exeter Doctoral College
- delivering joint strategic, policy and planning support to the University and Faculties
The division consists of four service groups: Doctoral College; Research Services; Research Software and Analytics; and Technical Strategy and Operations.
Technical Strategy and Operations is a centralised team of research and teaching technical staff across the university delivering our institutional technical strategy working in specialist areas, leading on technical infrastructure, equipment and facilities. In addition, the group undertakes and support research and teaching and promoting compliance and best practice, in the labs, studios, workshops, and field.
We are proud signatories of the Technician Commitment, working to raise the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of technical careers.
Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit-based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Why our colleagues love working here
- Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
- Generous annual leave (39-41 days including bank holidays)
- Competitive pension contributions
- A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues - see initiatives here
- Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do
How we can help
If you're considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at
[email protected]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.
Please be advised that due to the minimum salary thresholds imposed by the UKVI, this post will not qualify for university sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have a visa which permits the right to work in the UK. Further details can be found on the Home Office website - https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are an existing Skilled Worker visa holder, we may be able to sponsor and will review the transitional arrangements - https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/certificate-of-sponsorship-before-4-april-2024.
The University of Exeter is a proud supporter of the Technician Commitment, a charter focusing on the visibility, recognition and career development of our technical staff. For further information please see our website.
