Research Technician

A research technician position is available for up to 36 months to study the regulation, mechanisms and impact of a group of viriforms known as Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs). GTAs are descended from viruses that infect bacteria/archaea (bacteriophages), but they have lost the ability to recognize their own genome and instead package and transmit any DNA found in the host cell. As a result, GTAs could play a pivotal role in promoting bacterial adaptability, evolution, and spread of AMR. Their evolutionary significance is underscored by their conservation across alpha-proteobacteria for hundreds of millions of years and their independent, convergent evolution in diverse microbes, including spirochetes, firmicutes, and archaea.

Despite their clear importance, an urgent knowledge gap exists regarding the specific regulatory and mechanistic frameworks that govern GTA activity. This project addresses this gap through a multidisciplinary approach—combining genetic, molecular, structural, and evolutionary methodologies to:

- Identify new GTAs in non-model organisms (e.g. in soil, marine, clinical environments)
- Understand how they navigate complex environments like biofilms
- Predict the impact they have on bacterial genomes and how they provide evolutionary benefits to their hosts

The role will be based in the Fogg and Meaden labs, where you will:

- Provide technical and scientific support to the research project. This will involve cultivation of bacteria and viruses of bacteria, cloning, protein purification and assistance with biochemical assays.
- Work independently using your own initiative and as part of the wider research team.
- Assist and take responsibility for the organisation, housekeeping and operational management of the laboratory.
- Maintain accurate records of work undertaken and communicate results via reports or presentations.
- Assist with lab management via purchasing goods, maintaining supplies and routine maintenance and operation of equipment in the work area. Liaise with appropriate staff and external service providers to ensure the work area and equipment are kept operational.
- Provide lab inductions/training for new staff and students with an understanding of COSHH/Risk Assessment and departmental health and safety protocols.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed:

- A degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Virology or related fields or equivalent experience
- Relevant theoretical knowledge in molecular biology, microbiology or biochemistry and ability to implement practical techniques used in these fields
- Experience of Molecular Biology (e.g. PCR, cloning). Experience of protein purification would be advantageous. Training can be provided.
- In depth knowledge of relevant safety regulations and procedures for example, COSHH and risk assessment
- Evidence of having contributed to activities using a variety of specialist technical skills
- Experience of working on own initiative and as part of a team

The Department of Biology is one of the UK's leading Biology departments, renowned internationally for research. The department holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, with family-friendly, flexible working arrangements available.