Technician

We are looking for a talented and motivated individual to join the new NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Cancer Theme, and provide technical support for the translational research programme within the Leicester Molecular Diagnostics laboratory. The post will be based in the Department of Genetics and Genome Biology and Leicester Cancer Research Centre. Leicester Molecular Diagnostics is a laboratory-based facility providing a comprehensive service for molecular oncology testing. The post holder will also support the wider Cancer theme of the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) to help ensure the successful delivery of the relevant research aims, and the Leicester Cancer Biobank in its sample management requirements. The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day technical support of the translational research aspects of the LMD laboratory, working closely with the Manager and colleagues from the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the weekly sample banking requirements of the Leicester Cancer Biobank, working with the Biobank Manager.

Our mission is to facilitate world-leading bench-to-bedside research in cancer prevention, precision therapeutics for mesothelioma and cancers of unmet need, pre-clinical models for drug discovery including ex-vivo patient derived explant platform and liquid biopsies for detection and monitoring of cancer. Our research is underpinned by a strong focus on translational research studies, and delivered via patient centred approaches to transform outcomes for patients with cancer or at risk of cancer. Our new BRC Cancer Theme comprises a friendly, collaborative and diverse group of staff with a strong track record of securing research funding and encouraging career progression.

The NIHR Leicester BRC is a partnership between the University of Leicester, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Loughborough University and the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group. It has been funded at £26.1 million to carry out pioneering research into medical advancements into illnesses linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and the consequences of inactivity. The programme will continue to push boundaries of knowledge in clinical medicine. Three new speciality areas have joined the NIHR Leicester BRC for the first time: Personalised cancer prevention and treatment, Environment – looking at how the environment impacts on long-term health conditions – and Using data to better understand multiple long-term health conditions and factors specific to the health of ethnic minority populations. In addition, the respiratory speciality is joined by experts in infectious diseases.

Our overall purpose is to translate scientific breakthroughs in these areas into diagnostic tests, preventions and life-saving treatments for our patients. We do this by creating a collaborative workspace that allows scientists and clinicians to share their findings and deliver research that is relevant to both patients and the professionals who treat them. At Leicester BRC, we are committed to working with all experts, and the patient is the most important expert of all. A large group of local people interested in our work help us plan and deliver our research with insight into the experience of living with illness. 
About you

You will have technical or scientific qualifications relevant to the role and prior laboratory experience in molecular biology-based techniques. Your main responsibility will be to support the translational research activity of multiple projects by carrying out experiments and contributing to the development of new techniques, methods and systems. You will work independently and under your own initiative to plan and organise laboratory work. You will also be responsible for the day-to-day tasks of the laboratory under the quality management system. Prior experience of working in a quality managed environment is desirable.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Caroline Cowley [email protected] & Professor Jacqui Shaw [email protected] .

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 equality, 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.