Job Description
Job title:
Technical Laboratory Coordinator
Department/School:
Biology and Biochemistry
Grade:
6
Location:
Claverton Down Campus, 4 South
Job purpose
The principal role of the lab technician will be to map the Hsp90 kinase interactome
using state-of-the art proteomic and genomic tools now available in the leading fungal
pathogen of humans Candida albicans. Additionally, the lab technician will provide
technical and experimental support to other lab members. Hence, the lab technician
will be asked to grow and maintain mutant libraries as well as prepare cells or DNA
for quantitative analyses, such as microarrays, next gen sequencing, and mass
spectrometry. The technician will also be expected to assist in the ordering of lab
supplies and equipment and will have the opportunity to contribute to the supervision
of project and Masters students. They will also oversee compliance with Good
Laboratory Practise and Good Microbiology Practise activities throughout the lab.
Reports to:
Principal Investigator (PI): Dr Stephanie Diezmann
Staff management responsibility
None, although may be required to assist with supervision of other staff e.g. technical
staff or supervision of visiting scientists /doctoral students.
Main duties and responsibilities
1
Assisting with genomic and proteomic screens of yeast mutant libraries
The lab technician will conduct a chemical genomic and proteomic screen of
yeast mutant libraries as instructed by the PI. This will include culturing of
mutant libraries, preparation of cells or DNA for quantitative analyses, and
sample preparation for mass spectrometry.
2
Procurement of equipment and consumables
The technician will provide a weekly check on resources and consumables of
the lab and re-order as required. The technician will furthermore keep copies of
requisition forms in date order and available for consultation and pursue delayed
or overdue orders.
3
Contribute to the production of research reports and publications
The laboratory technician will be asked to provide data generated in chemical
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genomic screens in a way so that they can be analysed by the PI and
collaborators. The technician will furthermore be included in the paper revision
and editing process.
Cryo culture maintenance
The technician will be required to maintain and manage the lab’s cryo collection,
which includes deep frozen mutant libraries as well as culture collections of
yeast, bacteria and nematode strains.
Assist with supervising student projects
The technician will be asked to provide basic microbiological and molecular
biological training to project and Masters students.
Provide technical support
This includes the preparation of media and solutions for microbiology and yeast
molecular biology.
Additional duties
Any other duties as is required for the project as for example participate in site
visit by funder
Health and Safety
The technician will ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practise (GLP) and
Good Microbiological Practise (GMP) activities in the molecular research
laboratory and that they all are carried out safely.
Keep records of maintenance and safety checks on items of equipment.
Provide and collate risk assessments forms and ensure records are kept up to
date in molecular research laboratories.
Be expected to enforce protocol adherence for waste disposal.
Liaise with relevant Department and University Safety personnel as and when
necessary.
Co-ordination of specialist waste-disposal activities and removals
The technician will help identify segregate and record any special hazardous
items of waste for inclusion in the twice-yearly “specials” disposal.
They will instruct new PGR students and other laboratory workers on correct
safe waste storage and disposal procedures in relevant laboratories.
Records and recording information
The technician will make, and keep safely, adequate and suitable records of all
monitoring activities. The records will be updated in a timely manner and kept in
an orderly fashion.
The technician will be expected to make and collate Risk assessment forms
related to teaching procedures and ensure researchers do the same.
Special conditions
Comply with the University of Bath Quality Assurance Codes of Practice 9 & 29
where applicable.
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Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
A/F
Qualifications
Degree in Molecular Biology or
Microbiology or Biochemistry or a
relevant equivalent
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Postgraduate level qualification
I/T
R
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Experience/Knowledge
Relevant work experience as a
laboratory technician.
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Demonstrates depth and breadth of
specialist knowledge of
microbiology/molecular biology to
effectively contribute to the research
programme
Demonstrates awareness of latest
developments in the field of research
Extensive knowledge of technical issues
in laboratory-based science
Knowledge of health and safety practises
in laboratories
Skills
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Ability to organise own workload, with
guidance from senior colleagues if
required
Ability to handle and manipulate yeast
mutant libraries
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Excellent verbal, interpersonal and
written communication skills
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Ability to manage others
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Competent IT skills
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Attributes
Innovation and developing creative
solutions
Enthusiasm and self-motivation
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Tenacity – working to achieve own
objectives and overcoming obstacles
An effective team worker
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Code: A/F – Application form, I/T – Interview/Test, R - References
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