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Job description

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

What’s in it for you? Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Newcastle is an inclusive global University community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

Salary: £23,144 to £24,285 with progression to £26,396 per annum

Closing Date: 20 February 2023

The Role

Based in the Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, a Research Technician is required to support a programme of research funded by Cancer Research UK within the group of Dr Sarra Ryan. You will be responsible for providing specialist laboratory support under the direction of academic staff. Laboratory work will include the development of technologies and utility of next generation sequencing (NGS) procedures to investigate repetitive regions of the genome in childhood cancer (namely acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma). Techniques will include cell culture, cytogenetic procedures (i.e. fluorescence in situ hybridisation), methods for extraction and purification of DNA/RNA and protein from patient material and cell lines and, complex library preparation processes for NGS technologies (i.e. Illumina, PacBio, MinION).

Previous involvement in the technical aspects of research projects is essential. A minimum of HNC/HND in a relevant subject is also required. Experience of extracting DNA/RNA from cells, performing NGS procedures and knowledge of cancer genetics is advantageous.

The post is offered on a fixed term basis for 2 years.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Sarra Ryan: [email protected]

The Person

Key Accountabilities
Responsible for the provision of technical support for the satisfactory operation of research activities and equipment for the research group of Dr Sarra Ryan, based in the Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre
Undertaking of complex next generation sequencing (NGS) applications and molecular and cellular procedures as appropriate to the research activities of the group, for example cell culture, DNA purification, PCR-based methodologies, library preparation for NGS procedures, as well as data handling and analysis
Under the direction of academic staff, provision of assistance and training of other academic, technical and research staff and students on specific experimental techniques and in the use of specialised laboratory equipment
Overall management of project workflow processes, from biological material handling and experimentation through to data delivery, via liaison with other members of the project team
Monitoring the satisfactory operation of laboratory equipment
Consulting with academic staff regarding the setting up of experimental systems and research apparatus, including the development of research procedures and techniques to meet research needs, making desirable modifications outlined in the relevant literature as directed by academic staff
The performance of risk assessments and maintaining safety laboratory records (e.g. COSHH, BIOCOSHH, and other regulations e.g. Human Tissue Act) in consultation with academic staff or, where appropriate, senior technical staff
To undertake all laboratory procedures according to Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Maintenance of stock levels of reagents and initiating purchase orders in compliance with group ordering procedures
To undertake group administrative duties as required
Comply with University policies, including financial regulations, equal opportunities policy, health and safety policy, promoting race equality policy, information systems security policy, data security and intellectual property rights
Carry out any other duties, which may arise commensurate with the grade of the post, as requested by the project co-ordinators

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Demonstrable lab experience in a similar environment
Experience/Awareness of laboratory Health and Safety issues
Knowledge in a range of cellular and molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction and purification, cell culture, handling of biological tissue
Good teamwork, excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Good computer skills, with the ability to graph and statistically analyse data, including Microsoft Office programmes (i.e. Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
Excellent record-keeping, time management and organisational skills
Ability to modify and apply new methods to advance the project
Adaptable, high degree of technical competence and ability to multi-task to meet all Institute and local needs
Good communication and training skills
Experience or sound knowledge of fluorescence in situ hybridisation, PCR and NGS protocols and procedures

Attributes and Behaviour
Works collaboratively with others, plays a positive role in teams and establishes and grows relationships across the organisation where different skills, expertise and opinions are valued.
Respects the expertise and contribution of others even if own opinion is different
Shares relevant and useful information with others
Keeps other team members up to date with progress
Willing to help others and share workloads
Asks others’ opinion
Encourages others to get involved
Talks about other team members in a positive way
Respects the value that different views bring to the team
Willing to work outside normal working hours if necessary

Qualifications
A-level/HNC standard of education or equivalent in a related subject
Desirable
BSc degree in related area
MSc in relevant field

The University holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University is also a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 25015