Research Technician

Grade 6

To manage all technical aspects of the research on behalf of the Principal Investigator Professor Alberto Sanz Montero, including providing specialist technical expertise in the relevant discipline and being responsible for the creation/set up and/or operation of all technical resources to aid the delivery of research objectives for the Sanz laboratory. In addition, the postholder will undertake a range of technical support activities in line with the College/Institute/School Strategy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Undertake specialist technical aspects in the Sanz laboratory that investigates ageing using Drosophila melanogaster, as a member      of the research group.

2. Provide specialist technical advice to the research team including research, teaching, and technical staff. As well as undergraduate and post-graduate/PhD students and where required, support the day-to-day supervision of students within the research group.

3. Progress the technical aspects of the research objectives of the research grants of the Sanz Laboratory in accordance with pre- determined timescales as set out by the PI.

4. Independently generate ideas and implement agreed proposals for experimental strategies to improve the efficiency in the ageing research performed by the laboratory. This includes but is not limited to – improvement of lifespan measurements, quantification of single gene expression or analysis of mitochondrial function in vivo.

5. Design and create experiments, systems, protocols, equipment, and/or other technical resources to support the delivery of research objectives. This includes optimisation of time, material, and human resources to complete the projects on time.

6. Keep up to date with developments in relevant research/technical areas and within the broader discipline to ensure contribution to research goals is optimised. This includes investigating the relevant literature and presenting in the lab meetings. Additionally, providing input to Institute/College technical workshops.

7. Be responsible for the management of technical aspects of the research project, including where relevant, management of the laboratory, technical resources, and technical staff. Ensure operational delivery of technical resources is optimised and seek to continuously improve the technical service. Make sure equipment is operating and works within optimal technical parameters. This includes being responsible of the alarm system for freezers, fridges, and fly incubators.

8. Be responsible for troubleshooting complex technical problems, including issues with the design and operation of technical resources and/or with the data which is generated. Deal with estates and external contractors to maintain the laboratory facilities optimally working.

9. Undertake complex data analysis, identifying trends, problems or anomalies, and present findings clearly to the research group and/or to wider audiences via presentations or within appropriate research publications. This includes generating ways to analyse and store data in a reproducible way and teach other members of the laboratory how to use them.

10. Delegated budgetary responsibility, creating spending plans, monitoring outgoings and targets and providing summary reports to the PI as required. This includes ordering, approving the orders and ensuring that orders are delivered and charged to appropriate sources of funding.

11. Be responsible for the day-to-day management of and compliance with relevant Health and Safety and/or other specialist legal requirements. Maintain all necessary records in accordance with set requirements, keep up to date with developments or legal changes relevant to the work of the research group and advise and train group members as appropriate. Report any potential issues to the PI and/or relevant internal or external bodies timeously. This includes teach new members of staff and make sure the follow appropriate guidance.

12. Work collaboratively with others, including within the wider College/Institute/School and where relevant with external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the research aims and support the broader strategic aims of the University.

13. Provide in-depth knowledge, solutions, and advice relating to culturing Drosophila melanogaster flies and performing assays to study changes in mitochondrial function during ageing and how manipulation of mitochondrial function contributes to extend healthy lifespan.

The above duties are not exhaustive and the postholder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the PI/line manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 [Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma] or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2. Significant breath or depth of technical knowledge on Drosophila melanogaster culture and mitochondrial biology.

A3. Up to date knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including but not limited to Health and Safety.

A4. Degree or equivalent in relevant discipline desirable. Working towards  Professional Registration with relevant body.

Desirable:

B1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 (Honours degree) or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline

B2. Working towards Professional Registration with the Institute of Science & Technology to RSciTech level, or above.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential: 

C1. Demonstrable specialist technical skills aligned to culture of Drosophila flies and measure of mitochondrial function. Details of the discipline/project are as described in the post- specific information and advert.

C2. Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist or bespoke  software packages.

C3. Significant analytical and problem-solving capability, including high degree of       accuracy and attention to detail when dealing with complex data

C4. Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret technical requirements of a research group and adapt own style to meet the needs of others

C5. Excellent team working skills and where relevant to the post, supervisory or line  management skills.

C6. Ability to plan and prioritise a broad range of technical work to meet competing   demands.

C7. Significant relevant work experience within a similar research environment, including evidence of previous outputs and professional development.

C8. Experience of understanding and interpreting complex technical requirements of service users and implementing appropriate methods of achieving their needs.

C9. Experience of managing budgets, including approving spends and monitoring  outgoings on behalf of others.

C10. Experience of operating independently in progressing and delivering research goals within set timescales.

Desirable

D1. Experience with cell and molecular biology techniques, particularly qPCR measurements.

D2. Experience in developing and troubleshooting novel methods

D3. Experience in supervising graduate and/or undergraduate students in a laboratory

Job Features

Dimensions: To contribute to the safe and well organised functioning of the laboratory, comprised of a Principal Investigator, 1 PDRA, 1 Research Assistant,  3  PhD, and 1 technician. Coordinate with other technical and non-technical staff to perform and deliver inter-group research projects. This includes other fly groups within and outside of the University as well as collaborators of the Sanz laboratory.
Planning and Organising: Plan and organise a range of specialised technical support activities.
Effective organisation and time management to ensure that deadlines are met and priorities are well managed. Organise and manage laboratory infrastructure and to respond to the day to day running requirements of the lab.
Collaboration and interaction with PI and research group to ensure research objectives are met.
Decision Making: Perform laboratory experiments and exercise initiative and judgement to make decisions on a day-to-day basis in relation to experimental protocols.
Provide input into decisions on experimental approaches. Responsible for purchasing consumables and supplies, within budget, and in consultation with other members of the research group.
Assist the PI with the logistics of day to day running of the laboratory. Make decisions about working safely and minimising risks.

Control that health and safety protocols are in place and are implemented as required.

Internal/External Relationships: Interact with colleagues and students in the laboratory and RI/School for technical advice and to maintain a healthy and productive working environment.
Liaise with external collaborators on projects as required. Liaise with suppliers on a regular basis to ensure best prices and quality consumables are obtained and adequate stock supplies are maintained.
Liaise with Estates and Buildings colleagues as well as external contractors as necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the laboratory. Liaise with any member of the wider college staff, as necessary, including other members of technical staff, facilities, IT and academic staff.
Problem Solving: React to technical queries and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
Provide technical and logistical solutions relating to equipment and experiments. Use initiative and judgement to resolve problems within own knowledge base, referring to academic staff when necessary.
Review and implement refinements to procedures in order to maximise efficiency. Assist with student learning needs/requirements.
Other:

The postholder will be based in the Research Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, but may be required to change location as required after appropriate consultation.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332 – £36,024 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 14 Months

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.