About the role

We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Research Technician to join the Respiratory Sciences Department at the University of Leicester. This position offers an exciting opportunity to support cutting-edge viromics research. You will be based primarily at the Centre for Phage Research but will also work at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital.

Your role will involve assisting with the detection, isolation, and characterisation of viruses from respiratory specimens, including common cold viruses and bacteriophages. Using molecular and culture-based methods, you will help characterise viral and microbial populations in the human respiratory tract and contribute to understanding their interactions with lung disease. You will also play a key role in data recording, analysis, and preparation for publication and presentations. This role offers a great opportunity to develop your skills in viromics, genomics, and molecular biology within a supportive research team.

About you

You should have previous laboratory experience in molecular biology, virology, or microbiology, particularly in the characterisation of respiratory viruses or bacteriophages. A technical or scientific education to ONC or NVQ3 level is essential, along with a good understanding of laboratory safety and good laboratory practice (GLP). Experience working in a Biosafety Level 2 environment and familiarity with molecular techniques, such as PCR and DNA/RNA extraction, is also required.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience in handling genomic data and using bioinformatics tools would be beneficial, and an interest in the field of respiratory microbial and viral research would be an advantage.

If you are passionate about contributing to important research in respiratory virology and microbiology, and have the required skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Vijay Mistry on [email protected]

Applications for job share will be considered.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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Research Technician

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