University of York

This fellowship is for Research Technical Professionals (RTP) who have taken a career break of at least two years for family, health, or caring reasons and wish to return to a technical role in research. The fellowship offers a personalised retraining and reskilling programme.

About the Role

We are looking for someone wanting to restart their career as a research technical professional after a career break of two or more years for caring, health, or family reasons. The successful applicant will update their technical skills and experience to support a broad range of internal and external users within the Bioscience Technology Facility at the University of York.

The role holder should have experience in a core technology, such as microscopy or cytometry, though other areas will also be considered. Masters-level experience or equivalent is required for supporting and operating within your area of technical expertise. The role is primarily lab-based with some administrative responsibilities, such as liaising with vendor service teams.

You will work with a positive, friendly team and a respectful user base, making it an ideal environment to retune your skills. The work involves user training, support, and advice; experimental troubleshooting and equipment maintenance; method development; and teaching on international training courses.

Responsibilities

• Support internal and external users in a core technology area (e.g., microscopy or cytometry).
• Provide user training, support, and advice in both informal and formal settings.
• Assist with experimental troubleshooting and equipment maintenance.
• Contribute to method development and teaching on international training courses.
• Liaise with vendor service teams for administrative support.

Requirements

• A career break of at least two years for family, health, or caring reasons.
• Experience in a core technology such as microscopy or cytometry (other areas considered).
• Masters-level experience or equivalent in supporting and operating technical expertise.
• Good knowledge of techniques associated with one of the core labs (e.g., Imaging and Cytometry Laboratory).
• Experience with sample preparation of biological samples.
• Proven ability to interact with users in a positive and proactive manner.
• A flexible and responsive approach to work with a strong customer focus.

About the Facility

The Bioscience Technology Facility at the University of York supports six core areas: Data Science, Genomics, Metabolomics and Proteomics, Imaging and Cytometry, Molecular Interactions and Biophysics, and Protein Production. It is supported by 29 staff members in a 2000m² purpose-built space and serves over 300 users from academia and industry.

The Imaging and Cytometry Lab houses over 20 high-end microscopes and cytometers and is involved in developing and adopting new technologies. The Department of Biology is recognised for its excellence in teaching and research and holds the Athena Swan Gold Award.

Schedule

This fellowship is available on a full- or part-time basis, with options such as:

• One year full-time.
• 18 months part-time at 0.75 FTE.
• Two years part-time at 0.5 FTE.
• Other flexible combinations to suit the applicant.

Closing date for applications: Monday, 14th September 2026.

For further information, contact Peter O’Toole (peter.otoole@york.ac.uk) or email djmft@surrey.ac.uk for role details, eligibility, or to apply. More information about the Daphne Jackson Trust is available at www.daphnejackson.org.