Research Technician

Role Description

Project, role and department

The research technician position is available for up to 24 months working in the group of Prof Gavin Thomas at the Department of Biology. You will support ongoing research in understanding the function of IM30 proteins in protecting biological membranes from different stresses within evolutionary divergent microbial lineages.  Utilising a diverse range of techniques in microbial biochemistry and molecular microbiology, you will investigate the interactions between these proteins and their ability to rescue vital membrane functions. You will join a multi-disciplinary project funded by the sLoLa BBSRC award, led by the University of York with collaborators at the Universities of Nottingham, Newcastle and Cambridge. 

Main role-specific responsibilities:

• Providing effective and efficient research support by planning and performing experiments using a range of scientific techniques in line with the project objectives 
• Contributing to the design of experimental work based on previous knowledge and experience, and reporting the results to the project consortium
• Ensuring good laboratory practices in the Thomas lab, including managing lab resources, maintaining accurate records, aligning with the health and safety procedures, developing standard operating procedures and risk assessments, liaising with suppliers and service providers, and maintaining equipment and stock of chemicals and consumables for the lab.   

The Department of Biology is a broad-spectrum bioscience department bringing together expertise from ecology to biomedical sciences. We value outstanding fundamental science that underpins solutions for the major global challenges pertinent to the life sciences.  We're committed to working towards gender equality in STEM through the Athena Swan charter and have held a Gold award since 2014. We are proud of our reputation for providing a supportive culture and strive to ensure that there are no barriers to our staff and students reaching their goals. As a signatory of the Technician Commitment, the University strongly supports technical career development. Part of this programme is the drive to recruit new talent into the technical profession in Higher Education. 

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• HNC, HND, undergraduate degree, or equivalent experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Microbiology or a related biological sciences
• Competence in routine genetic manipulation of bacteria, microbial heterologous gene expression and protein purification
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team using own initiative with attention to detail
• Align daily activities to good laboratory practice 

Interview date: 18 June 2025

For informal enquiries, please contact Prof Gavin Thomas on gavin.thomas@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork