Salary: £30,505 - £31,387 per annum with progression to £34,132 Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. Closing Date: 05 January 2025 The Role The role will join a wider technical community reporting to the Institute technical manager responsible for the management and operation of the laboratory research spaces within the Biosciences Institute. You will be part of a team investigating the impact of epigenetics on innate immune responses to urinary tract infections in post-menopausal women. In addition to general technical duties, you will be responsible for the coordination and processing of samples for DNA extraction and overseeing sample cataloguing. The role will require an in-depth knowledge of technical practices, methods and procedures gained through experience and education. The knowledge will be deployed as part of a professional community to support a range of technical support activities at a defined location. This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis to 30/09/2025. For informal enquiries please contact Dr Phillip Aldridge, phillip.aldridgencl.ac.uk Key Accountabilities In conjunction with the project supervisor be responsible for the day-to- day progress of sample curation and processing. Responsible for performing a range of molecular biological techniques including (but not restricted to) cell culture, RNA,DNA and protein extraction and analysis. Be responsible for data integration into project related databases. Complete a range of routine and complex maintenance activities and repairs Liaise with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve both routine and complex problems and investigate replacement options Advise on equipment capabilities demonstrating how results can be achieved. Design and delivery of bespoke techniques, equipment and apparatus By developing local procedures, establish and maintain a safe/compliant working environment Hold specific safety responsibilities relevant to the specialism Assist with the completion and updating of a wide range of safety paperwork Oversee compliance tasks ensuring timely completion and maintenance of appropriate records. Maintain in-depth and up-to-date health and safety knowledge relevant to the specialism. Schedule, prioritize and monitor work in line with demands and deadlines. Hold delegated responsibility from the academic lead for the planning, operation and supervision of laboratory spaces occupied by the specialism. Organize and facilitate regular progress meetings with the team. Be a key contributor to specialism development, delivery and planning. Contribute to and support change. Manage one or more budgets monitoring resource usage. Source and negotiate with suppliers for a range of items including specialist parts/equipment. Create, update and implement procedures to deliver an aligned, efficient and effective service. Provide general and specialist research support including leading method development. Provide general and specialist teaching support. Support taught course projects by promotion and incorporation of specialism Prepare and manufacture specimens/samples requiring specialist skills with limited direction. Manage equipment bookings, calculate charges/costs and assist with re-charging where appropriate Manage local security and access control arrangements. Design, develop and deliver inductions, demonstrations and training covering complex techniques and specialist equipment. Assist managers with the identification of training and development needs. Maintain specialist knowledge and skills, sharing with others Mentor junior staff The Person Knowledge, Skills and Experience Demonstrable experience working within the area of host-microbe interactions Working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures Excellent team working skills Demonstrates technical and problem-solving capacity Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical role Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines, with a positive and proactive approach to duties and diligence and attention to detail Contribute to design and specification of research/teaching activities (Desirable) Ability to adapt to changes in laboratory research priorities (Desirable) Attributes and Behaviour Tact, diplomacy and able to handle difficult situations Ability to meet deadlines with effective time and resource management. Clear communicator and active listener Consistent and appropriate approach to staff and situations Use of feedback for process improvement and staff development Team player, self starter and able to manage complex workload Ability to respond enthusiastically and positively to undergraduate students Qualifications BTEC HNC / HND; or A’ level (or equivalent) qualification; or broad work experience acquired through a combination of vocational training and considerable on-the-job experience, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding relevant roles. Professional registration with an accredited professional body (including HEA) or working towards this on appointment (desirable) Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. Requisition ID: 27832