Position Details
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Start of full time salary range: £30,062 to £31,900, with potential progression to £35,883
Grade: 5
Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term up to June 2027
Closing date: 29th April 2026
Role Summary
You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support, acting as a role model and coach to staff and students. You will have an in‑depth understanding of research questions, techniques and experimental protocols, using this knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and suggest solutions proactively. You may need to work outside normal hours and may be offered to work in various areas of the department or the wider university.
Main Duties
* Preparation (e.g., extraction, derivatisation) and analysis (LC‑MS/MS) of human blood plasma samples for determination of glucose stable isotope enrichment.
* Assist in managing experiments and laboratories.
* Advise on techniques and experimental procedures used by researchers and/or students, communicating with colleagues at all levels.
* Diagnose and resolve problems; suggest solutions regarding techniques and experiments.
* Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures, using judgment to select the appropriate technique and seeking approval for any proposed changes.
* Maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures and other research activities.
* Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and operating procedures for classification, labelling, and packaging of substances.
* Contribute to internal and external audit procedures and regulatory inspections.
Health and Safety Duties
* Provide proactive health and safety support within the laboratory, including oversight of communal areas.
* Understand safety aspects of equipment and demonstrate/train staff on correct usage.
* Ensure regular maintenance processes are carried out and records maintained.
* Report any breaches or non‑compliance with health and safety procedures to relevant managers.
* Uphold correct waste disposal streams in line with university and local policy.
* May be required to undergo first‑aid training.
General Administration and Organisation
* Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records.
* Proactively maintain stocks of consumables and generate purchase order requisitions using university systems when necessary.
* Handle receipt, storage of consumables, equipment, and chemical reagents.
* Report facility problems through appropriate channels.
* Ensure PAT testing, equipment calibration, and inventories are up‑to‑date.
* Adopt a proactive attitude toward carbon reduction and energy‑saving measures.
* Maintain a technical support‑based teaching laboratory website with guides and documentation.
Other Duties
* Collaborate with the manager to mentor junior or newly appointed staff.
* Support equality and diversity, avoiding unfair discrimination or bias.
* Perform any other duties reasonably required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
* Direct experience in wet laboratory environments with human biological samples and LC‑MS or LC‑MS/MS.
* Extensive relevant workplace experience, including equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
* GCSE level 2 (A*‑C/4‑9) or equivalent in mathematics and English.
* In‑depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
* Extensive experience of similar laboratory‑based work, familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
* Positive service attitude and courtesy in dealing with others.
* Ability to organise and manage own workload with flexibility.
* Capacity to work under minimal supervision while functioning as part of a team.
* Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
* Knowledge of current health and safety policies and ability to uphold them.
* Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
* Understanding of 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 advise a range of customers, possibly supervising staff and participating in budget monitoring.
Planning and Organising
Work independently on daily, weekly, and monthly tasks while also handling medium‑to‑long‑term projects without daily supervision. Plan resources and procure goods as needed.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Research, modify, and adapt protocols with managerial consultation, preparing for experiments, and upholding health and safety procedures. Implement solutions confidently with a high degree of autonomy.
Internal and External Relationships
Advise and support research staff and/or students; liaise with external contacts such as company representatives.
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