Research Support Technician in Alternative Protein Analysis at the University of Leeds
Location: Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service: Faculty of Environment
School/Institute: School of Food Science & Nutrition
Category: Technical Support
Grade: Grade 5
Salary: £27,344 to £31,387 per annum
Working Time: 35 hours
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (for 4 years from 1st March 2025)
Release Date: Thursday 30 January 2025
Closing Date: Thursday 20 February 2025
Reference: ENVFS1135
Are you enthusiastic, well-organised, and versatile, with a strong motivation to support alternative protein analytical research? Do you have experience in working in a laboratory environment and want to use your skills to support our busy research laboratories and help our academic staff and industrial partners?
We are looking for a NAPIC Research Support Technician in Alternative Protein Analysis to join a project funded by the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). NAPIC is a £38m entity (including a £15m UKRI investment) to lead the UK’s alternative protein knowledge and innovation ecosystem. NAPIC’s vision is to make alternative proteins mainstream for a sustainable planet. The centre is led by the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London, and the James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with over 100 national and international partners.
You will be based on campus 5 days per week, supporting the School’s expanding research portfolio in NAPIC activities across a range of laboratories and collecting data on colloidal properties of alternative proteins derived from plants, algae, insects, fungi, bacteria, etc. You will carry out analysis of research samples using a range of biological, chemical, and physical protocols. You will also provide support and expertise to student research projects as well as industry-funded projects, including sample collection, preparation, and analysis using various techniques, both wet chemical and instrumental. Additionally, you will be responsible for maintaining equipment relevant to the research and project activities, including servicing and procurement, and maintaining stocks of chemicals and consumables. You will produce standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, COSHH forms, and other documentation required by research project aims.
You will have experience working within a laboratory environment, alongside a BSc or BTEC Higher or equivalent in a relevant subject. You will also possess good organisational and communication skills, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience in using colloid science equipment (e.g., size measurement, rheology, tribology) is required, while experience working with colloidal samples (protein dispersions, emulsions, foams, gels, microgels, etc.) is desirable.
You may be required to work weekends to support Open Days and maintain cell culture lines.
Benefits: 26 days holiday plus approximately 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year! Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls. Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team. Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts, and travel schemes are also available.
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Professor Anwesha Sarkar, Project Leader, National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC)
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