Research Technician

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious, we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

The College of Science and Engineering is the home of STEM: the skills that are essential to the UK's Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, data science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and psychology, we are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability.

School of Science

The School of Science brings together three key subject areas: Environmental Sciences, Biomedical and Forensic Science and Psychology. The School has strong links with key external agencies including the University Hospitals for Derby and Burton NHS Trust who support the Biomedical Sciences IBMS provision as well as research collaborations. The School also works with regional forensic science agencies including the police and private forensic science labs as well as numerous environmental agencies locally, nationally and internationally focusing on conservation, habitat management and environmental regeneration.

About the Role

You will support the Associate Professor of Biomedical Science and the research team on a project that will focus on the blood-brain barrier, requiring a high degree of expertise in handling primary human cells and related cell culture methods. The Associate Professor leads the Metabolic Disorders and Cancer Research Centre and is also head of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) group at the University of Derby.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a varied research programme, supporting laboratory-based data collection, analysis and interpretation using techniques such as cell culture, immunocytochemistry, microscopy and other molecular assays. You will help prepare and present research findings, undertake literature reviews to inform ongoing projects, provide project administration support, contribute to team meetings, and assist with the development of research funding applications.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline. You will have experience in research design and data collection, using a range of laboratory techniques including mammalian cell culture, immunocytochemistry, microscopy, and other cellular and molecular assays. You will be able to effectively manage and prioritise your workload, demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and a commitment to meeting deadlines. Strong self-management skills are essential, with the ability to work independently using your own initiative, while also contributing positively as part of a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development

Important Information

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.