Laboratory Technical Specialist

Laboratory Technical Specialist

We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented technician to join our research project focused on understanding the molecular basis of de novo mitochondrial cristae biogenesis. This project aims to leverage a novel inducible model system and state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics of mitochondrial membrane proteins and their role in cristae formation. Your role will display an in-depth knowledge of technical scientific practices, methods, and procedures gained through either experience and/or formal qualification, and require you to deploy this knowledge to provide a range of technical support to the group.

You will join a wide community of technical staff in the Facility of Medicine; Institute of Biosciences. You will report to Dr. Uwe Richter and the Institute Technical Manager and be required to assist in experiments using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and single-molecule tracking techniques. You will also be required to support the research team in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data.

Experience with human tissue work, cell isolation techniques, and wet-bench experimentation would be desirable, but all necessary training, and support with techniques will be provided. Please contact Uwe Richter (Uwe.Richter@newcastle.ac.uk) for informal enquires.

Key Accountabilities

• Complete a range of routine and complex maintenance activities and repairs
• Liaise with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve both routine and complex problems and investigate replacement options
• Advise on equipment capabilities demonstrating how results can be achieved. Design and delivery of bespoke equipment and apparatus
• By developing local procedures, establish and maintain a safe/compliant working environment. Hold specific safety responsibilities relevant to the specialism
• Assist with the completion and updating of a wide range of safety paperwork
• Oversee compliance tasks ensuring timely completion and maintenance of appropriate records
• Maintain in-depth and up-to-date health and safety knowledge relevant to the specialism. Schedule, prioritize and monitor work in line with demands and deadlines
• Hold delegated responsibility from the academic lead for the planning, operation and supervision of laboratory spaces occupied by the specialism
• Organize and facilitate progress meetings. Be a key contributor to specialism development, delivery and planning. Contribute to and support change
• Manage one or more budgets monitoring resource usage. Source and negotiate with suppliers for a range of items including specialist parts/equipment
• Create, update and implement procedures to deliver an aligned, efficient and effective service. Provide general and specialist research support including leading method development
• Provide general and specialist teaching support including class/field work development
• Support taught course projects by promotion and incorporation of specialism
• Prepare and manufacture specimens/samples requiring specialist skills with limited direction. Manage equipment bookings, calculate charges/costs and assist with recharging
• Contribute to building work affecting the area occupied by the specialism
• Manage local security and access control arrangements
• Design, develop and deliver inductions, demonstrations and training covering complex techniques and specialist equipment
• Assist managers with the identification of training and development needs
• Maintain specialist knowledge and skills, sharing with others
• Mentor junior staff

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Previous laboratory experience in human cell culture and in biochemical and molecular biology techniques is essential.
• Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical / workshop role
• Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Demonstrates technical and problem-solving capacity
• Ability to adapt to changes in priorities. Contribute to design and specification of research/teaching activities
• Demonstrates good organizing ability to meet deadlines, with a positive and proactive approach to duties and diligence and attention to detail (Desirable)

Attributes and Behaviour

• Tact, diplomacy and able to handle difficult situations
• Ability to meet deadlines with effective time and resource management
• Clear communicator and active listener
• Consistent and appropriate approach to staff and situations
• Use of feedback for process improvement and staff development
• Team player, self starter and able to manage complex workload
• Ability to respond enthusiastically and positively to undergraduate students

Qualifications

• BTEC HNC / HND; or A' level (or equivalent) qualification; or broad work experience acquired through a combination of vocational training and considerable on-the-job experience, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding relevant roles. (Essential)
• Professional registration with an accredited professional body (including HEA) or working towards this on appointment (Desirable)A bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology). (Desirable)

Newcastle University is a global university 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.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive 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 of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.