Job description
The primary purpose of this position is to provide laboratory and BSU support to the research group led by BHF Chair of Cardiology, Professor Ajay Shah. The group comprises 20-30 research staff and students at any time. The research activities of the group encompass a wide range of wet-lab, dry-lab and animal research, including molecular and cellular biology, ex vivo and in vivo physiology and gene-modified models. There is an emphasis on complex biochemical analyses (e.g. redox modifications) and integrative physiology (e.g. echocardiography and isolated organs, tissues and cells).
The role holder will work closely with research staff and students on a day-to-day basis, with the majority of time spent on assistance with laboratory, technical and animal maintenance activities, in particular cell culture (incl. primary cells and iPS-derived cells), genotyping and animal maintenance, and similar duties.

The post holder will support and report to the Senior Technical Officer (Lab Manager), Dr Ana Georgian, to provide assistance in laboratory maintenance and administration. In addition, they will assist the Senior Animal Technician Officer (Richard Thompson) with the management of the group's BSU work. In particular, assistance with the maintenance of multiple (30-40) mouse colonies; liaising closely both with academic staff undertaking specific scientific research projects and with the BSU staff.

This post will be offered on a Fixed Term Contract for 3 years initially (further funding is available until March 2025).

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities
The role holder is expected to work as an integral member of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, working alongside the School's professional services team to provide high quality technical support to the Cardiology Chair's group in their research activities.

• To participate in practical procedures within the Shah Research laboratories or the Department's BSU, as part of scientific projects, providing recognised technical expertise. In particular cell culture, both primary cells and iPSC lines.
• To support the Cardiology Chair's group compliance with all regulations and guidelines, including health and safety, biological safety, the human tissue act and animal welfare act/ home office standards; contributing to process development and the adoption of best practice to ensure compliance with all regulations.
• To support and liaise with the Senior Technical Officer in managing the group's research laboratories, equipment, and house-keeping activities (buffer management, stock-checks, etc); acting as a key interface between the laboratory research activities and the Senior Technical Officer.
• To assist the Senior (Animal) Technical Officer with the day-to-day organisation and management of departmental mouse colonies, including setting up new colonies, genotyping, maintenance of databases, etc.
• To adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided and resolving problems as they arise, including assistance with the groups' in vivo based processes.
• To develop and maintain working relationships with immediate colleagues within the Department and School as well as the wider university, where needed (e.g. liaising with BSU Staff), in order to deliver the required support.
• To train and supervise more junior staff, where appropriate; providing advice and guidance on university policies, processes and where required, sourcing information to support and facilitate the groups' work activities.
• To actively participate in formal and informal departmental meetings and participate in cross-School/Faculty/ University projects and initiatives as directed by the Cardiology Chair
• To ensure that accurate records, both written and electronic, are created and/or maintained pertaining to research activities, health and safety, animal work and other relevant activities.
• To actively engage in Continuing Professional Development and training initiatives, including Biological Services training programmes, in line with the University Technician Commitment
• The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience
Work closely with the Cardiology Chair, Senior Technical Officer and Senior Animal Technical Officer, as well as the group's research staff and students to ensure technical support for the group is professional, well-executed and timely - complying with university policies, funders' terms and conditions, and adopting best practice.

Essential criteria

• Minimum level 4 qualification, e.g. higher apprenticeship, HNC or other Level 4 award, plus work experience in a relevant technical/scientific post
• OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in a relevant technical or scientific post
• OR Relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent, and research experience in a relevant technical or scientific post; extensive hands-on training in wet-laboratory practices (cell and molecular biology, tissue culture, biochemical assays)
• Home Office Personal Licence/ Hold a personal licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
• Proven practical experience in scientific procedures in particular genotyping and mammalian cell culture, but also RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, Westerns and must have working knowledge and understanding of the scientific theories underpinning these procedures.
• Animal research experience, preferable with mice and rats
• Ability to apply learnt techniques/skills to the work context, including the training of others in known or established techniques
• Excellent time management, planning & organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure to effectively manage competing priorities, while maintaining good attention to detail.
• Excellent diplomacy and communication skills are essential, both orally and written, including digital communication competencies.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office packages, and in particular good numerically competencies with excel.
• Working knowledge of legislations and regulations governing the area of work e.g. health & safety and animal welfare
• Willing to undergo further education and training in technical procedures or legislations, required for the maintenance and organisation of the labs, facilities and services within the Department and School.
• Good problem-solving skills, able to apply previously gained knowledge and experience to the resolution of new technical challenges that may arise.
• Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required

Desirable criteria

• Masters or PhD in Biological Sciences or similar
• Isolation and/or cell culture experience with hiPS cells and/or neonatal cardiomyocytes
• Some experience of laboratory administration, e.g. purchasing via Science Warehouse, Unit4business and/or KFIN.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

This advertisement does not meet the requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship under Home Office regulations and therefore the university will not be able to offer sponsorship for this role.

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.