Job Description
Job title:
Research Technician
Department:
Biology and Biochemistry
Grade:
5
Location:
4 South, University main campus at Claverton
Down
Job purpose
The principal role of the technician is to provide support in protein expression (using
bacterial, insect and mammalian systems), purification and molecular biological
techniques employed in Professor Ravi Acharya’s structural molecular biology
laboratory.
The post will involve the maintenance and operation of cell culture facility, communal
facility and equipment within the group.
The post-holder needs experience in supporting research lab based cell and
molecular biology techniques.
The role also includes promotion, monitoring and compliance with health and safety
matters in the laboratory.
Source and nature of management provided
Line Manager- Professor K. Ravi Acharya
Staff management responsibility
None, although may be required to assist with the supervision of other staff e.g. lab
assistants or supervision of students.
Special conditions
Flexible working with occasional early starts, late finishes.
Main duties and responsibilities
Page 1
1
Support high quality research involving bacterial, insect and mammalian
expression, purification and characterisation of proteins for structural
biology research with appropriate laboratory safety standards.
2
Maintenance of the cell culture laboratory with appropriate safety
standards.
3
To carry out routine laboratory tasks such as ordering of chemicals and
reagents, preparation of solutions, storage of reagents, chemicals and
filing of reports.
4
To help in the maintenance and calibration of equipment in the
laboratory.
5
Work within a team to meet project objectives.
6
Develop new technologies; perform old technologies.
7
Present data internally.
8
Prepare data for publication.
9
Any other duties that may be required which are consistent with the
nature and grade of the post.
You will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature
as reasonably required by your line manager.
Page 2
Person Specification
Criteria
Qualifications
Degree in Biochemistry/Molecular/Cell biology or relevant
equivalent.
Essential
Desirable
X
Experience/Knowledge
Demonstrable experience in protein biochemistry/molecular
biology.
X
Direct experience of cell and molecular biology.
X
Awareness of latest developments in the field of protein
biochemistry and molecular biology.
X
Knowledge of health and safety practices in the laboratory.
X
Skills
Planning and organisation- to plan work efficiently so that
research targets are achieved.
X
Communication- to communicate progress and problems in
research.
X
Team working- to work efficiently as part of a team and
contribute constructively to achieving the team’s objectives.
X
Excellent verbal, interpersonal, written communication and IT
skills.
X
Attributes
Innovation- demonstrates creative solutions to difficult protein
biochemistry/structural biology problems.
X
Motivation- highly stimulated by science and committed to
achieving good quality work.
X
Tenacity- working to achieve own objectives and overcoming
obstacles.
X
Able to work effectively and flexibly, often under pressure of
deadlines with good management skills.
X