Summary
You will provide daily support tasks for the group. You will provide technical support for research activities as required, utilising your technical skills and a wide range of techniques. You may occasionally be required to be flexible in your working pattern. You will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. In order to flexibly use resource you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.
Main Duties
The role holder will provide support for the research undertaken by Professor Beggs using a variety of laboratory techniques and administrative techniques to include, but not exclusively:
1. Processing of samples in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, including blood, faeces and tissue samples such as:
2. Ensuring the paperwork and samples match and entering them onto a LIMS system
3. Spin bloods and remove plasma, buffy coast and whole blood as required by the individual trial
4. Place faecal material into required storage buffers and record information
5. Store formaldehyde fixed paraffin embedded and fresh material in accordance with individual trial protocols
6. Extract nucleic acids from all samples as required by individual trials and quantify
7. Perform library preparation for next generation sequencing
8. Maintaining accurate records on LIMS systems and updating laboratory records in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
9. Provide general support including:ProcurementMaintenance of accurate records of all purchasesHousekeepingCorrect disposal of all laboratory waste via approved waste routeMonitoring and recording of housekeeping tasksSample storage management on LIMS systemMaintenance of equipment Ensuring optimal performance of equipmentDeep cleaning of Microbiological Safety Cabinets
10. Carry out techniques and experimental procedures as required by research staff, students and Principal Investigators, designed to contribute to a specific research project or projects.
11. You will be expected to resolve problems in your area of expertise but also to recognise when problems need to be referred to more senior staff.
12. You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out, and of any other research activities you may be involved in, including results.
13. Comply with any legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
14. Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for the activity.
15. Demonstrate techniques to other staff and/or students on the area of expertise as required.
16. You will contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.
Health and Safety
17. You will be expected to uphold compliance with all University and local Health & Safety policies, including risk assessments and manual handling, reporting any breaches or non-compliance to the relevant manager.
18. You will be expected to manage the safe handling and disposal of all materials used in research laboratories, including hazardous materials.
19. If required, assist or prepare risk assessments and keep these up to date.
20. You will need to maintain all records as appropriate.
21. Carry out regular maintenance processes as appropriate.
Administrative duties
22. You may be required to assist with PAT testing and calibration of equipment, and with updating equipment inventories.
23. Maintain stocks of consumables and creating purchase order requisitions.
24. Receipt and correct storage of consumables and chemical reagents.
25. Ensure that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems.
26. Reporting any problems with equipment or services which cannot be resolved to the line manager as appropriate.
27. Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures where practicable.
28. Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
29. Any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post holder.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
30. NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent level three qualification and specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject.
31. GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
32. A good working knowledge, plus practical experience, of Good Laboratory Practice is desirable
33. Experience of working in a laboratory based research environment is desirable.
34. Ability to organise and manage own workload after consultation with manager.
35. Familiarity with the use of a wide range of general laboratory equipment. balances, pH meters, autoclaves, glass washing machines, microscopes.
36. Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters, together with the communication skills to interact with a range of people, including students.
37. Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines.
38. The post-holder will be fully familiar with the safe handling and storage of laboratory materials.
39. Good IT skills, having a familiarity with both Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS will be advantageous.
40. Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
41. Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.
Dimensions
You will have no direct line management responsibility (other than occasional instructions to other staff) and no budget to manage.
Planning and organising
You will be able to schedule and organise your own work within the priorities and requirements for the area.
Problem solving and decision making
You will deliver a level of service as agreed, carrying out daily research support as required. You will be expected to assist in analysis and interpretation of research results.
Internal and external relationships
This role is primarily concerned with advising and supporting research staff.