Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medicine,
Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences
Section of Translational Anaesthetic & Surgical Sciences
Research Technician – Grade 5 - 60% FTE
Career break cover post – up to 20 months fixed term contract – available from 1st
October 2015
Applications are invited for a fixed-term Research Technician post funded by NIH. This
post is available from October 2015 to work in a laboratory engaged in Malignant
Hyperthermia research in the Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (LIBACS).
This project aims to identify new mutations associated with Malignant Hyperthermia (MH)
and generate genotyped cell lines and tissue repositories to investigate the mechanisms
underlying human MH.
With an advanced City & Guild, BTEC Higher National Certificate, Higher Diploma or
equivalent, you will have had substantial laboratory experience (which may include
experience gained during a period of study). You will be encouraged to develop your
initiative and independence and will be given opportunities for career development.
This post is located in the Clinical Sciences Building at St James’s University
Hospital.
University Grade 5 (£21,391 - £24,775 p.a pro rata).
The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and
offers a range of family friendly policies (http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/4/policies).
The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award.
The School of Medicine gained the Bronze award in 2013. We are committed to
being an inclusive medical school that values all staff, and we are happy to consider
job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our
employees.
Informal enquiries to Prof Philip Hopkins, tel +44(0)113 2065274, email
P.M.Hopkins@leeds.ac.uk
Further details of the Institute’s research are available on the website:
http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/300/leeds_institute_of_biomedical_and_clinical_sciences/
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Colette
Cornelly, email c.l.cornelly@leeds.ac.uk tel +44(0)113 2069229 or Sharon Collins,
s.collins@leeds.ac.uk or telephone 0113 2066949.
Job ref: MHBCS1011
Closing Date: 29 July 2015
Job Summary
This cover post is available from October 2015. You will join Professor Hopkins’ research
group, based in the Clinical Sciences Building in Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical
Sciences on the St James’s University site to work on a project to identify new mutations
associated with Malignant Hyperthermia (MH). MH is a pharmacogenetic disorder of
skeletal muscle that is triggered by the commonly used inhalational anesthetics
(isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, etc) or the muscle relaxant succinylcholine. It
presents predominantly in apparently healthy children and young adults undergoing
general anesthesia as a syndrome of hypermetabolism, hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis
that is fatal unless aggressive treatment with dantrolene is rapidly instituted.
The role will involve processing muscle biopsy material and blood samples collected from
patients. The muscle samples will be used to establish human myotube cultures for use in
the project. DNA will be isolated from the patient blood samples and will be screened for
known recurrent RYR1 mutations. You will maintain the database of clinical IVCT and
genotyping information and curate the Leeds MH DNA and muscle resource. You will have
laboratory experience, a keen interest in this area of research and will be a well organised
individual. Experience of cell culture, molecular biology and histological tissue handling will
be essential.
Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

Assist in the day-to-day running of the laboratory, including the care and
maintenance of laboratory equipment or machinery.

Liaise with academics and researchers to perform techniques and protocols as
appropriate. These would include (but are not limited to) the following:
o Processing of human muscle biopsy material and blood samples
o Cell culture of human myotubes
o DNA isolation, screening & preparation of samples for resequencing
 Supervise and maintain the Leeds MH DNA and muscle resource, a bank of DNA
and/or frozen skeletal muscle of more than 1800 MH susceptible individuals.
 Maintain database of clinical in vitro contracture test (IVCT) & genotyping
information.
 Organise the shipment of patient material to other investigators in the program.
 Take responsibility for regular stock taking, ordering, goods receipting and stock
management for the group. Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory books and
records and communicate research results at group and Section meetings both
verbally and through written reports when required.
 Liaise closely with academic staff to interpret and plan experiments, whilst working
with minimal supervision on a day-to-day basis.
 Manage and prioritise own day to day workload to ensure tasks are completed in a
timely manner.
 Make and contribute to decisions on day to day matters that affect your own work,
inputting ideas into the research project as appropriate.

Learn new research techniques/skills as necessary during the project and as
indicated by the supervisors.

Attend Departmental and Institute research seminars and meetings.

Be aware of the risks in the work environment and work in accordance with the GM
and COSSH assessments; contributing to GM and COSSH assessments when
appropriate.

Carry out routine maintenance checks and report faults.

Maintain health and safety records and develop risk assessments for new and
existing protocols.

Treat data with confidentiality and in accordance with current policies.

Work collaboratively with other staff and students within and external to your own
research team as appropriate.

Supervise, instruct and provide demonstrations for more junior technical staff in
laboratory techniques, operation of particular equipment/apparatus and basic
laboratory management as directed.
The post holder will be expected to actively support and adhere to the Faculty’s
commitment to Equality and Diversity in line with the requirements of the Faculty Diversity
Action Plan.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and you may be required to undertake other duties
that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Relationships
The appointed research technician will be responsible to Dr Marie-Anne Shaw through
whom he/she will be accountable to Prof Philip Hopkins Director of the Institute of
Biomedical & Clinical Sciences and ultimately to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and
Health.
University Values
All staff are expected to operate in line with the university’s values and standards, which
work as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together.
More information about the university’s strategy and values is available at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/
Person Specification
Essential

Advanced City & Guilds, BTEC Higher National Certificate, Higher Diploma or equivalent level
or equivalent experience in a relevant field.

Substantial laboratory experience (this may include experience gained during a period of
study).

Demonstrable, practical experience in tissue handling techniques.

An understanding of the principles of cell culture.

An understanding of molecular biology techniques e.g. DNA isolation & screening.

Demonstrable ability to work unsupervised, using own initiative on a day to day basis and as
part of the wider research team.

A basic understanding of health and safety issues within the laboratory setting.

Working knowledge and experience of health and safety requirements in the laboratory setting
and compliance with the Human Tissue Act.

Good IT skills including word processing and spreadsheet experience.

Demonstrable ability to plan own work schedule and manage time effectively.

Willingness to develop and learn new skills.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including experience presenting work in a
written and verbal format.

Ability to perform a number of technically demanding tasks under pressure with a high level of
accuracy.

Excellent organisational skills and the proven ability to work to tight deadlines.

Demonstrable ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Ability to work flexibly according to project demands.
Desirable

Previous experience of having worked as a technician in a scientific research environment.

Practical experience in cell culture.

Practical experience of molecular biology techniques e.g. DNA isolation & screening.

Practical experience of processing skeletal muscle for electron microscopy.

Previous experience supervising junior staff.

An understanding of the tests used in the diagnosis of MH.
Further Information
Faculty Information
With more than 6,000 students, 1,600 staff and annual research income of £50m, the
Faculty of Medicine and Health at Leeds is bigger than some universities. Leeds has one
of the largest medical and bioscience research bases in the UK, and is an acknowledged
world leader in cancer, cardiovascular, psychiatric, genetic, musculo-skeletal and health
services research. Treatments developed in Leeds are transforming the lives of people
around the world living with conditions such as HIV, TB, diabetes and malaria.
The School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at the University of Leeds is a major international centre for
research and education. Our ambition is to improve health and reduce health inequalities,
locally and globally, through excellent scientific research and the translation of that
research into healthcare practice, and through the education of future scientific and clinical
leaders who will advocate and practise an evidence-based approach. Our major strategic
aims are to:

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Deliver outstanding research including basic discovery science through to applied
health research that makes a significant difference to health.
Produce exceptional graduates, clinicians, educators, doctoral and post-doctoral
fellows whose learning has been informed and inspired by our research excellence
and who will form the next generation of academic and clinical leaders.
Develop and support knowledge transfer activities that flow from our academic
activities.
Create and maintain an efficient and sustainable environment for research and
teaching within an organisational culture and management style that enacts and
supports the university’s core values of community, inclusiveness, integrity and
professionalism.
The School of Medicine is organised into seven Institutes. All are committed to high quality
research-led teaching, through their training of postgraduate research students, delivery of
postgraduate taught courses, and its leadership in undergraduate teaching. The School
works closely with the local NHS, having a number of jointly funded clinical posts to ensure
this relationship is effective and strong for both research and student education.
Leeds Institute of Genetics Health & Therapeutics (LIGHT), Director: Professor Mark
Kearney)
LIGHT integrates basic and clinical scientists with a common goal of understanding the
mechanisms underpinning common chronic diseases of human health and developing new
approaches to treating patients at an individual and population level. At the heart of
LIGHTs philosophy is a vibrant multidisciplinary approach to science that provides a
platform to deliver internationally competitive translational research and teaching in
disorders including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative
diseases) our key aim is to improve the lives of our patients and the experience of our
students.
Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS) Director: Professor Tim Ensor
LIHS delivers problem-driven research that supports decisions about the content or
delivery of healthcare. Our interdisciplinary approach incorporates expertise in applied
health research designs, health implementation sciences, social sciences, health
economics, informatics and statistics, as well as skills in communicating with basic
scientists, policy makers, healthcare providers, public and patients. We conduct research
at the individual, population and organisational level.
Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME) Director: Professor Trudie Roberts
LIME provides the administrative support, co-ordination and leadership for the School of
Medicine’s undergraduate medical degree, including admissions, curriculum development,
assessment, student support and clinical placement liaison. It provides the technologyenhanced learning and innovation support for the School of Medicine. LIME also has a
very active scholarship programme of research and innovation in medical education and
uses its expertise to influence medical education policy and practice nationally and
internationally. To achieve this it works with a range of stakeholders including the
academic community, the profession, the public, regulators and policy makers.
The Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) Director: Professor Tim Bishop
The Leeds Institute of Cancer Studies and Pathology addresses both laboratory-based
and clinical research into cancer with a major focus on translational science. LICAP is one
of the largest cancer Institutes’ in the country and has major financial support from the
cancer charities. The laboratories and clinical research are all based on the St James’s
site with laboratory activities being located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building and
adjacent buildings while the clinical work is based within Bexley Wing. The Institute
consists of seven Sections with the following interests:
Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (LIBACS) Director: Professor
Philip Hopkins
LIBACS undertakes clinically-driven research from the level of the gene through cellular,
tissue and organ to clinical trials. Our vision is to develop a sustainable centre of
excellence for the advancement of patient care by translating research results into clinical
practise and contributing to medical education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Our research interests are encapsulated in 6 clinical themes (Gastrointestinal inflammation
& tumorigenesis, Genetic disorders, Infection & immunity, Neuroscience, Perinatal
medicine, Perioperative outcomes & technologies) underpinned by 4 generic science
technology strands (Animal models, Cell biology, Gene regulations & Genomics). We are
based predominantly at the St James’s University Hospital site.
Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), Director:
Professor Paul Emery
LIRMM is dedicated to improving diagnosis, therapy, intervention and outcome across the
spectrum of rheumatic and musculoskeletal medicine. It boasts a dynamic portfolio of
research and education, delivering wide-ranging clinical, translational and basic research
across five Sections: Clinical Musculoskeletal Medicine, Experimental Musculoskeletal
Medicine, Clinical Biomechanics and Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine and
Orthopaedics. A multi-disciplinary approach is the core of our activities, with significant
interdisciplinary links between Experimental and Clinical research. LIRMM’s clinical
activities are focussed at Chapel Allerton Hospital, which is also base for our NIHR
Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (LMBRU) and our basic sciences at St James’s
University Hospital.
Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research (LICTR) Director: Professor Julia Brown
LICTR delivers innovative design, delivery and knowledge transfer in clinical trials
research. Our multidisciplinary approach, in collaboration with basic scientists, clinicians,
policy makers, healthcare providers, public and patients and University colleagues,
delivers internationally competitive research and teaching that makes a significant
contribution to the evidence base for healthcare delivery. The Institutes research is
conducted through the Clinical Trials Research Unit where we have expertise in design
and conduct of complex clinical trials incorporating novel designs to evaluate CTIMPs,
complex interventions, diagnostics, medical devices and surgery.
St James’s University Hospital Campus Infrastructure and Facilities (SCIF) Director:
Professor Pam Jones
This group covers activities that cover School of Medicine functions for Institutes at St
James’s University Hospital that span more than one institute including biomedical
research facilities, student education, IT, health and safety, estates, seminars, PGR
studentships and business support functions. These functions help support the 5 adjacent
buildings on the site.
There are 3 Institutes with staff and students at St James’s: LICAP (Leeds Institute of
Cancer studies and Pathology), LIBACS (Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical
Sciences), LIRMM (Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine). These
three institutes are dedicated to basic, translational, clinical and health research integrated
with student education.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Terms and Conditions
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the university, including
information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human Resources web pages
accessible via the links on the right hand side, or at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/index.htm
Criminal Record Disclosures
A Criminal Records Disclosure is not required for this position. However, applicants who
have unspent convictions must indicate this in the ‘other personal details’ section of the
application.
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in the Clinical Sciences building at St James’s Hospital site. Disabled
applicants wishing to review access to the building are invited to contact the department
direct. Additional information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, email
disclosure@leeds.ac.uk or tel + 44 (0)113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be
covered by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health
conditions is available in the applicant guidance.