The role will include, but is not limited to, the following duties:

• Sample administration to ensure correct storage, traceability and process timelines including communication with clients/customers, help with organisation of sample transfer and initiation of administrative processes for material transfer agreements as and where required and liaison with the Human Biomaterial Resource Centre.
• Biological sample preparation and use of the facility
• Identification and diagnosing instrument problems and affecting solutions
• Keeping accurate records of all analyses, evaluation and interpretation of results
• Analysing results and make recommendations to customers/collaborators.
• Modification and development of new methods as appropriate
• Collate and present data to service users including group leaders and their research groups, external collaborators and/or Industry clients, for example at seminars and as posters, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof.
• Maintenance and quality control of the facility ensuring that GCLP/GCP standards are achieved for assays where appropriate. Including day to day maintenance of relevant records
• Test and implement new approaches to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of the facility
• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental laboratories.
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your Supervisor for approval on any proposed changes.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
• You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety duties

• Ensuring staff and students, working within the area of responsibility comply with all basic University / College Health & Safety policies
• This may include being required to look after a communal area as part of your duties. Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.
• Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff (at all levels) on the correct usage of the equipment.
• Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
• Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for laboratory.
• Postholders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider or Fire Warden.

General Administration and Organisation

• Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
• Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents, ensuring, where necessary this is in compliance with GCLP/GCP requirements
• Monitoring income and expenditure for the facility and clearly communicating outcomes to Facility Manager
• Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ensuring the best use of equipment through online booking systems, if appropriate
• Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
• Maintaining up to date protocol change or maintaining relevant research lab databases/records.

Other Duties

• In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.
• Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Substantial practical and technical experience of a wide range of techniques as stated above.
• Extensive relevant practical and technical workplace experience, professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory-based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment including the ability to work to GCLP standard.
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role including the Human Tissue Act.
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Ye Oo, email: y.h.oo@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at