Position Details
Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine & Health. Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK. Full‑time starting salary £30,062 to £31,900, with potential progression to £35,883. Grade: 5. Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2026. Closing date: 30th April 2026.
Background
This full‑time position (35 hours/week) is funded by the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) for 6 months. The post is within the College of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences supporting the research work of Professor Jason Parsons on a project which aims to investigate more effective radiotherapy treatments for head and neck cancers. The goal is to examine the combination of selected DNA repair inhibitors with targeted proton beam therapy to suppress the growth of head and neck cancers grown in the chick embryo model as an appropriate animal replacement (in keeping with NC3Rs).
Role Summary
You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research. You may supervise technical staff or act as a role model and coach others as appropriate. An in‑depth understanding of the techniques and experimental protocols is required. Experience of cancer cell models and drug‑sensitivity assays is preferable. You should be able to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions. Working hours may extend beyond normal times to accommodate experimental procedures. Opportunities may exist to work in different areas of the Institute or College or wider university.
Main Duties
* Support the research undertaken by Professor Parsons using a variety of techniques, including but not limited to:
o Working with the chick embryo model
+ Tumour cell implantation
+ Monitoring of initial tumour growth
+ Drug injection and radiation delivery (X‑rays and protons)
+ Measuring tumour size and weight
o Immunohistochemistry (markers of DNA damage and cell survival/death)
o Writing and updating SOPs
o Data handling and management
o Advising on techniques and experimental procedures used by researchers and/or students
o Meeting deadlines imposed by the PI or nominee and delivering consistent results
o Effective communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
o Assisting in managing the experimental laboratories
o Diagnosing and resolving problems and suggesting solutions in regards to techniques and experiments
o Carrying out specialist technical and experimental procedures, assessing the correct technique, and proposing improvements with manager approval
o Maintaining accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures performed
o Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements
o Contributing to internal and external audit procedures and regulatory inspections
Health and Safety duties
* Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory, including looking after a communal area
* Complying with all current rules and ensuring all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date
* Understanding safety aspects of equipment operation and demonstrating or training staff on correct usage
* Ensuring regular maintenance processes are carried out and appropriate records maintained
* Reporting breaches or non‑compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s)
* Upholding correct waste disposal streams as governed by College and local policy
* Possibly undergoing training as a First Aider or Fire Warden
General Administration and Organisation
* Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date
* Proactively maintaining stocks of consumables and generating purchase order requisitions using University systems when required
* Receiving and correctly storing consumables/equipment and chemical reagents
* Maintaining facilities in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting problems through the appropriate channels
* Ensuring PAT testing, calibration of equipment and local and central equipment inventories are up to date and maintained
* Adopting a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures
Other Duties
* Actively participating in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff
* Supporting equality and values diversity, moderating own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias
* Other duties as reasonably required
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
* In‑depth practical knowledge of the relevant technical and scientific methods
* Extensive proven experience of similar laboratory‑based work, and familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment
* Extensive workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject
* GCSE level 2 (A*‑C) or equivalent in mathematics and English
* Positive service attitude and courtesy in dealing with others
* Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements
* Ability to work with minimal supervision but function as part of a team
* Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role
* Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold them
* Understanding of the Human Tissue Act and working to GLP standards
* Proficiency in commonly used software packages
* Understanding the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace
* Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures
Dimensions
You will provide specialist expertise and support a range of customers. You may supervise staff; even without supervisory responsibilities, you will be expected to act as a role model. Budget monitoring may be involved.
Planning and Organising
Work independently on daily, weekly and monthly tasks and projects with medium‑longer‑term horizons without daily supervision. Ensure required resources are available, planning ahead and procuring goods.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Research, modify and adapt protocols after consulting the relevant manager, prepare for research experiments, uphold Health and Safety procedures. Identify problems, break them down and implement solutions. Work under senior staff direction but with large amount of autonomy.
Internal and External Relationships
Advising and supporting research staff and/or students, and engaging with external contacts such as company representatives.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We hold appropriate accreditations and maintain a fair and inclusive workplace.
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