Job Description
Job title:
Research Technician
Department/School:
Biology and Biochemistry
Grade:
6
Location:
Claverton Down Campus, 3 South
Job purpose
The principal role of the research technician will be to assist with mutant library
construction and screening and to provide technical and experimental support to the
lab. This means that the research technician will be asked to independently conduct
targeted and random mutational screens following instructions from the principle
investigator. This includes introduction of point mutations by PCR or chemical
mutagenesis, strain manipulation, maintenance of mutant strain collections and
functional analyses such as quantitative reporter gene assays and determination of
antibiotic sensitivity. The technician will furthermore be expected to assist in the
ordering of lab supplies and equipment, training and supervision of project and
Masters students, and to oversee compliance with Good Laboratory Practise and
Good Microbiology Practise activities throughout the lab.
Reports to:
Principal Investigator (PI): Dr Susanne Gebhard
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
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Assisting with mutant construction and screening
The technician will independently conduct targeted PCR-based mutagenesis,
which may be complemented by random chemical mutagenesis, as instructed
by the PI. This will further involve strain construction and maintenance, and
quantitative assays of signal transduction and antibiotic resistance.
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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.
Contribute to the production of research reports and publications
The laboratory technician will be asked to provide data generated from mutant
analyses in such a way 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 bacterial strains, ensure their proper
cryo conservation and manage the group’s deep frozen culture collection.
Assist with supervising student projects
The technician will be asked to provide basic microbiology and molecular
biology training to project and Masters students.
Provide technical support
This includes the preparation of specialist media and solutions for microbiology
and bacterial molecular biology.
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,
Microbiology, 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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Depth and breadth of specialist
knowledge of microbiology/molecular
biology to effectively contribute to the
research programme
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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
Ability to organise own workload, with
guidance from senior colleagues if
required
Ability to handle and manipulate bacterial
cultures
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Excellent verbal, interpersonal and
written communication skills
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Expertise in basic molecular biology
techniques
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
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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