For an informal discussion please contact Professor Ian Clark (Tel: or

Transcription

1 FACULTY OF SCIENCE School of Biological Sciences Research Technician Ref: TC493 The Post The technician will work within the School of Biological Sciences on a Arthritis Research UK research project on the function of micro RNAs in cartilage metabolism and osteoarthritis headed by Professor Ian Clark. The technician will assist in all aspects of the research program, undertake laboratory experimental work using cell and molecular biology techniques, be involved in some analysis and interpretation of data and may be required to contribute to papers or reports. Specific Responsibilities Main duties: Assisting with micro RNA analysis using cell and animal models Performing in situ hybridization and immunohistochemisty assays to analyse micro RNAs and their targets in cartilage and osteoarthritis models.. Cell culture assays for validating micrornas and their targets. Validation and the evaluation of cell and animal disease models using biochemical and molecular assays (e.g. subcloning, Western blots and quantitative, Real-Time PCR). Preparing biochemical and molecular biology reagents.. General laboratory tasks such as maintaining laboratory cleanliness and maintaining laboratory records. Maintaining an accurate, comprehensive laboratory notebook. Assisting in writing up results for publication. Participating in general lab meetings and presenting results. Informal Discussion For an informal discussion please contact Professor Ian Clark (Tel: or i.clark@uea.ac.uk). Job Description A job description is attached as Appendix A. The day to day duties will be agreed in discussion with the Manager to cover the specific responsibilities outlined in this document.

2 Person Specification The person specification for this post is attached as Appendix B. GENERAL Salary Salary will be 20,781 to 24,057 per annum on Grade 5 on the single salary spine. The normal expectation is that starting salary will be at the minimum of the advertised salary scale. Starting date The post is available immediately on a part-time (0.5fte) basis for a fixed term period until 31 January Terms and Conditions of appointment Full details of terms and conditions of employment for Technical staff will be made available to the candidate to whom the appointment is offered. Annual Leave Entitlement There is an annual holiday entitlement of 20 days plus statutory (8 days) and customary (6 days) holidays. Superannuation The post is superannuable under the Universities Superannuation Scheme. Entitlement to Work in the United Kingdom If you are shortlisted for interview you will be asked to bring to interview original documentary evidence of permission to work in the UK. Candidates invited to interview will be provided with a list of appropriate documents that can be provided as evidence. Please DO NOT provide this with your application. Workers from outside of the EU may be eligible to work in this role subject to their immigration status. However, due to the nature of this role and the level of qualifications required, please note that immigration legislation will not allow the University to apply for a sponsorship certificate for this post. Occupational Health Assessment Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health Assessment to be carried out by the University s Occupational Health Service.

3 APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS Your completed application form should quote reference code TC493 and be returned by not later than 12 noon on 22 July 2015 in one of the following ways: accessed via the relevant vacancy details at then downloaded in Word format to be completed electronically then saved and sent as an attachment to or accessed via the relevant vacancy details from then downloaded in Word format to be completed electronically, then printed and posted to the Human Resources Division, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, or accessed via the relevant vacancy details from and downloaded in PDF format and printed, to be completed by hand and returned by post to the Human Resources Division at the address shown above or forms received by post from the Human Resources Division should be completed by hand or typed and returned by post to the above address. Postal applications will not be acknowledged unless a stamped addressed envelope/postcard is supplied. For paper submissions please ensure you add the correct postage to your application pack as failure to do so will considerably delay receipt by this office and may jeopardise your application for this post. Please note that feedback will not normally be provided to those applicants who are not shortlisted for this post. Please note that applications received after the closing date will not normally be accepted. If you are submitting an application by post immediately prior to the closing date please contact the Human Resources Division on to let us know that your application has been posted, and if possible also send a copy by fax to or by to hr@uea.ac.uk in order that we receive these by the closing date. Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form Please note that an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form must be completed and returned with ALL applications, whether submitted by post or by . If submitted by , the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form must be sent as a separate document/attachment to the Application Form.

4 The Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form will be detached from the received application before short-listing takes place and will not form any part of either the short-listing or decision making process. Referees In naming referees in your application, you are requested to give only those who can immediately be approached and one of these must be your current employer, or if not employed your most recent employer. Interviews It is anticipated that interviews and tests will take place during week commencing 27 July 2015 and candidates who have not heard by this date should assume their application has been unsuccessful. Successful shortlisted candidates may be notified of their interview times by telephone and/or and it is therefore essential you include both of these in your application. Candidates should note that travel and incidental expenses incurred in attending the interview will not be reimbursed. This document is available in alternative formats e.g. large print, disc and on-line. If you need this document in an alternative format please contact us on , fax , or

5 APPENDIX A JOB DESCRIPTION Job title: Senior Laboratory Technician (Teaching, Research and Facilities) Grade: 5 Faculty: Faculty of Science Reporting to: Lab Manager Job function/purpose: Responsible for the operation of a laboratory area or service to ensure a high standard of service provision. To work under the day-to-day supervision of a Principal Main Investigator duties and to support responsibilities research projects where appropriate. Laboratory Support and Services: Organisation of the daily running of teaching and research laboratories. Preparation of potentially hazardous materials. Responsible for the provision of specialist laboratory services e.g. gas systems, pressure vessels. Supervise the collection and disposal of hazardous waste. Supervising the preparation of specialist materials and solutions. Liaising with and reporting problems to the UEA Estates department. Administration and Supervision: Supervision of, and allocation of duties to, junior technical staff Training and guidance of technical staff in laboratory procedures. Liaising with external suppliers and service providers. Assisting and input to resource planning and management. Health and Safety: Preparation of COSHH and Risk Assessment forms. Researching information in relation to correct Health and /safety practice and policy. Maintaining training records. Assisting in the preparation of Health and Safety reports. Checking overnight reactions. Attending Health and Safety meetings and committees when required. Equipment and Instrumentation: Operation of specialist instrumentation. Arranging servicing and maintenance of equipment Training staff and students in the operation of specialist analytical equipment.

6 Servicing and maintenance of equipment (non-routine operation) Non-routine fault finding and trouble shooting Staff and Student Support: Assisting students in the setting up of equipment and experiments. Demonstrating techniques and operation of equipment. Research: Participate in research programmes including field working when necessary Identify problems, trouble shooting and fault finding. Undertake laboratory experimental work analysis and interpretation of data, contribute to research papers and reports. Supervise the care and maintenance of research specimens.

7 PERSON SPECIFICATION APPENDIX B Post title Research Technician Date: July 15 CRITERIA Essential Desirable Education, Experience & Achievements BSc or equivalent qualification in Biological Sciences or a related subject or equivalent level of experience. General experience in a wide range of laboratory methods including molecular biology and genetics Experience in molecular techniques such as genotyping, subcloning, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemisty and real time PCR Experience of working with and conducting experiments with mouse disease models, including maintaining breeding colonies, tissue dissection and sectioning. Experience in cell culture. Skills & Knowledge Excellent communication skills in English language. Good IT skills. Good interpersonal skills. Good organisational and time management skills. Working knowledge of COSHH and Risk Assessments Personal Attributes Able to carry out practical laboratory tasks to a consistent high standard. Able to both convey and understand communication with fellow workers. Self motivated Able to use own initiative. Reliable and conscientious with a flexible approach to working. Able to work effectively as part of a team. Able to work with minimal supervision. Able to complete tasks to a consistently high standard. Able to keep accurate records and provide reports on project progress. Willingness and ability to attend training courses as required and apply knowledge gained.

8 Special Circumstances Due to the nature of the project, flexibility of working hours will be required.