Overview
Applications are invited for a senior technician position to work with investigators at the Discovery Research Platform for Cell-Matrix Biology, based in the Genome Editing Unit core facility. This is a full time appointment starting 1 April 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is for a fixed term until March 2028.
The Manchester Cell Matrix Centre (MCMC) brings together diverse research groups with academic, technology and computational expertise to overcome barriers in extracellular matrix research. Extracellular matrix is essential for multicellular life, it surrounds and supports cells and accounts for one third of our body mass. Defining the principles that govern the two-way interaction between cells and matrix is fundamental to understanding vertebrate development, healthy ageing, and identifying why tissue failure is a major factor in most chronic diseases. Located at The University of Manchester, the Centre incorporates one of eight Discovery Research Platforms recently awarded by the Wellcome Trust. The Discovery Research Platform for Cell-Matrix Biology will address practical, technological, and methodological barriers to understanding how changes in the extracellular matrix leads to tissue failure.
We are seeking driven and ambitious individuals to play a pivotal role in overcoming these barriers. Successful candidates will contribute to our bold vision to reprogramme extracellular matrix, which has the potential to lead to innovative new diagnostic tools and treatments for diseases such as cancer and fibrosis. The platform will embrace a Team Science approach and provide an exciting opportunity to work with groups from diverse research areas and collaborate across disciplines.
Responsibilities
This role will support the development of novel technologies and approaches to investigate and better understand matrix biology, particularly in vivo. The successful applicant will liaise directly with Platform and Centre investigators, to understand their research goals and will devise novel experimental tools and strategies for Matrix biology research. Whilst the person will be a member of the GEU team based in the Michael Smith building, importantly we expect a proportion of the time will be spent working with Platform laboratories on defined projects. The appointee will be part of a larger consortium of technology focussed scientists within the Platform working on developing novel toolkits and approaches for cutting edge extracellular matrix research.
A key feature of the role will be to exploit our existing expertise in genetic manipulation technologies and to integrate and/or develop other cutting-edge GM techniques, especially viral (lentivirus and AAV) mediated genetic manipulation.
About the School and Equality
The School is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/about/equality/
Visa and Screening
As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration’s (UKVI) Points Based System in order to take up the role, will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application UKVI.
Successful candidates may be subject to pre-employment screening carried out on our behalf by a third party. The offer of employment will be dependent on the successful candidate passing that screening. Whilst you will be required to provide express consent at a later stage, by continuing with your application now you acknowledge that you are aware that such screening will take place, and agree to take part in the process.
Benefits
* Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
* Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
* Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
* Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
* Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
Equal Opportunities
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Important notices
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application. Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to people.talent@manchester.ac.uk. Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Email: antony.adamson@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification.
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