Technician Grade 5

We are seeking an experienced Technician (100% FTE) to carry out a range of laboratory and field research activities to support the UKRI-funded project "Preparing and Mitigating the risk of Dipteran-Borne Diseases in the United Kingdom" working with Prof Heather Ferguson the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine (SBOHVM) and Dr Emilie Pondeville at the MRC Centre for Virus Research (CVR) at the University of Glasgow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide technical support to the investigators and the Postdoctoral Research Associate who will lead the field research related to entomological surveillance and environmental monitoring. Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of field research activities to ensure project data collection goals are met. This will include taking primary responsibility for driving the field vehicle to sites across Scotland, and potentially England, as required.

2. Provide technical support to the investigators and the Postdoctoral Research Associate who will lead the laboratory research related to pathogen surveillance and vector competence assays. Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of lab research activities to ensure project data collection goals are met. This will include working in CL3 to support the vector competence work led by the PDRA.

3. Carry out a range of technical support activities including the use of specialist equipment, systems, procedures, protocols, models and/or techniques related to entomological and environmental sampling, molecular biology, insect breeding and manipulation, and virology. Contribute to the creation and development of new technical resources and/or ways of working as directed by relevant senior staff. Identify, propose and implement technical solutions to a range of practical problems.

4. Keep clear and accurate records of research outputs and where relevant produce concise written summaries of results for senior staff. Analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and present findings accurately.

5. Design, plan and organise technical activities to meet the needs of service users within agreed timescales.

6. In liaison with relevant senior staff, monitor technical standards. Advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.

7. Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate records are kept and databases are updated accordingly. Present findings accurately. This may include research and/or teaching related data.

8. Advise, train and provide guidance to service users in the best application and operation of technical resources.

9. Where relevant, maintain appropriate stock levels, including appropriate preparation of specialised media and samples as required, and purchase consumables and supplies within defined budget. Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials.

10. Where relevant, and in consultation with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical work-space and facilities. This includes supporting the completion of risk assessments and COSHH assessments for field, laboratory and insectary work, ensuring that all Health and Safety paperwork is completed timeously and recorded accurately, and implementing and adhering to all applicable health and safety policies, including specialist legal procedures for certain materials.

11. Communicate with two teams based at different locations and organise work planning accordingly and according to senior staff priorities.

12. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/School activities as required.

13. Keep up to date with advances in the relevant discipline and apply this knowledge to technical activities to further enhance the learning experience and/or contribute to the delivery of research aims.

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher / Scottish Vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role. Knowledge of relevant insect and animal survey approaches, equipment, protocols, processes and procedures. Knowledge of molecular biology techniques and protocols. Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation including writing risk assessments and COSHH forms within a life sciences laboratory environment. A valid UK Driver's licence and willingness to drive the field vehicle (small van) to sites across Scotland.

Desirable: BSc Degree or equivalent in Biosciences or relevant discipline.

Skills

Essential: Demonstrable technical skills aligned to ecological surveys and environmental monitoring. Demonstrable technical skills aligned with molecular biology (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, primer design, RTqPCR). Demonstrable skills in virology (e.g., cell culture, titration). Competency in a variety of IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office, Teams and Outlook; excellent spreadsheet and database skills. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability, including high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Proven interpersonal and communication skills, strong administrative, organisational and time management skills. Ability to work individually and as part of a team and to follow clear instructions. Ability to successfully coordinate and prioritise workload.

Desirable: Supervisory or line management skills. Insect identification and sampling skills. Skills in insect breeding.

Experience

Essential: Relevant work experience within a similar research environment, including evidence of experience conducting both field and laboratory analyses. Experience of contributing to scientific publications. Experience in liaising with different partners, coordinating sample collection, and keeping records and databases. Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of staff and students — demonstrating techniques and the safe operation of equipment and software. Experience of planning and organising own workload to meet the needs of service users.

Desirable: Experience working on multi-disciplinary One Health projects. Experience directly relevant to the study systems being investigated (biting insects, viruses). Experience in working in a containment level 3 (CL3) laboratory.

Benefits

A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages. A flexible approach to working. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.

This post is full time and open ended with funding available for up to 2 years. This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route.