Research Technician

About the role

We are seeking a Research Technician to support work on a UKRI-funded programme dissecting the molecular mechanisms underpinning the ability of tick-borne Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria to subvert host cells and lead an obligate intracellular lifestyle. This project uses protein-structure function and molecular cell biology approaches to determine how effector proteins—specialised proteins which Anaplasma secretes into host cells to bind cellular targets and modify host biology—enable intracellular survival of these important pathogens within host cells. Our pilot research has revealed that A. phagocytophilum effectors have wide-reaching impacts on host cells, including remodelling the host cytoskeleton and inhibition of apoptosis.

Watch a short video overview of our work.

The Research Technician will be based in the research group of Dr Ian Cadby and have a central role in this research programme alongside a post-doctoral research associate. This role is for 12 months in the first instance but with potential for extension.

Responsibilities

• Support research laboratory activities, ensuring laboratories are prepared for experimentation and compliant with relevant Health and Safety and other legislative or policy requirements.
• Carry out specialised techniques in recombinant protein expression, purification, and protein characterisation/interaction, and/or eukaryotic cell biology.
• Train others in laboratory techniques.
• Maintain and improve laboratory up-keep, including ordering and stock checks.
• Work independently towards pre-defined goals with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• Experience of recombinant protein expression, purification, and downstream analyses and/or eukaryotic cell biology.
• Experience working in a research laboratory, including laboratory techniques, process improvement, and problem-solving.
• Good IT skills, with the ability to effectively use software such as Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise a range of ongoing tasks and cope under pressure.
• Ability to carry out procedures accurately and timely, contributing to process improvement.
• Proven experience completing tasks to a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Open-ended contract with fixed funding until 30/09/2027.
• Full-time position (35 hours per week).

Pay

£28,778 - £32,080 per annum.

For informal queries, contact Dr Ian Cadby (Senior Research Fellow): ian.cadby@bristol.ac.uk.