Laboratory Technician

The Department of Biosciences at Durham University invites applications for a Laboratory Technician to support the research and operation in Dr Jeongmin Choi's laboratory, starting as soon as possible. This post is full time, fixed term for a 2-year period with an option for a 1-year extension.

This is an exciting opportunity for somebody passionate about scientific research to join a friendly and vibrant team in a brand new laboratory. Dr Choi's group aims to create a positive and respected environment to work in to ensure the wellbeing of all its members.

The role holder will report to Dr Choi and will provide technical support, contributing to the smooth running of research activities across her group. The role holder will prepare and analyse samples in support of research activities. Practical experience in laboratory technician/biological scientific research work is essential. Experience with molecular biology (PCR, cloning, RNA extraction), plant tissue culture and horticultural practices would be an advantage.

The role holder will have good IT skills, excellent organisation skills and the ability to work independently once trained. The role holder will work as part of a wider team of laboratory technicians and willingness to help when demands are high and being a strong team player is essential. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also required.

The Department of Biosciences is composed of 68 academic staff and research fellows; around 50 research and technical support staff; over 90 Research Postgraduate students and over 500 Single Honours undergraduate students. The Department is currently ranked in the top 5 UK Biology Departments in University league tables and has a 100% internationally recognised research environment (REF2021). The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award.

Key Responsibilities:

Service Delivery:
- Conduct and analyse lab experiments (e.g. plant tissue culture and various molecular biology and horticulture procedures)
- Grow and propagate plant resources (e.g. planting, watering, harvesting seeds)
- Assist lab procurement to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory
- Monitor and maintain the use of lab equipment, consumables, chemical stocks and reagents
- Maintain accurate experimental records and organise laboratory activities
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values

Planning and Organising:
- Plan and organise workload to deliver the role
- Organise plant resources for the lab
- Monitor processes and activities to ensure team priorities are met

Teaching and Learning Support:
- Prepare safety documents and risk assessments for teaching, research and learning activities
- Set up and prepare equipment and facilities for the delivery of teaching and research activities
- Provide supervision for teaching and research activities, including students and staff
- Record, monitor and collate information, analyse patterns and trends as part of teaching and research activities

Teamwork:
- Assist with the induction and training of new members in routine procedures and good laboratory practices
- Provide specialist support and advice to team members on plant tissue culture and beneficial plant and microbe interaction after training
- Identify opportunities and contribute to decisions on how to improve lab operations

Communications/Liaison:
- Use knowledge and expertise to provide advice and guidance to resolve problems
- Provide instruction and demonstrations to others within the team and collaborators
- Keep accurate records of stock levels and liaise with colleagues to identify resource requirements
- Liaise with academic staff, students and colleagues across the University
- Build relationships with internal and external partners and suppliers

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:
1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics, or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
2. Practical experience in a research laboratory, preferably in plant sciences, plant biotechnology and a related field.
3. Knowledge or experience in at least one of the following areas: molecular biology, plant tissue culture, horticulture.
4. Ability to follow protocols, maintain accurate records, and adhere to lab safety and good research practices.
5. Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.
6. Good spoken and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and train new members.

Desirable Criteria:
- Experience in beneficial plant-microbial interactions (e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis).
- Experience in horticultural activities, including watering, growing and routine plant maintenance.
- Familiarity with lab operations, including procurement, inventory management, stock preparation, safety documentation, and training and supporting other lab members.

Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (39 days total)
- Parking across campus, cycle to work scheme, and discounts with local bus and train companies
- Exclusive discounts via benefits portal
- On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and holiday camps for children aged 5–16
- Discounted membership for sport and gym facilities and access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Volunteering opportunities
- Generous family friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave
- Career development opportunities including qualifications, IT skills courses and apprenticeships
- Generous pension schemes