Technician

Position Details

School of Biosciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,062 to £31,900, with potential progression once in post to £35,883

Grade: 5

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2028

Closing date: 29th November 2026

Background

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Technician to join our research team at the University of Birmingham to investigate the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) dynamics during spermatogenesis.

The project will use Drosophila melanogaster as a genetic model to understand how mitochondria and mtDNA are maintained, organised and regulated during sperm development. In particular, we aim to investigate how mtDNA and mitochondria undergo dynamic changes during different stages of spermatogenesis, and identify the molecular mechanisms controlling these processes.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in Drosophila genetics and molecular biology, with an interest in mitochondrial biology and developmental processes. They will employ a combination of fly genetics, molecular techniques and advanced imaging approaches to investigate mtDNA dynamics during spermatogenesis.

This position is for 1 year for the first instance.

Role Summary

• Work within a funded research project investigating mitochondrial DNA maintenance and dynamics during Drosophila spermatogenesis.
• Apply expertise in Drosophila genetics, molecular biology and microscopy to investigate mitochondrial organisation and mtDNA behaviour during sperm development.
• Provide technical support for experimental research, including maintaining fly stocks, generating genetic crosses, preparing samples and performing molecular and imaging experiments.
• Contribute to experimental data collection, analysis, research presentations and scientific publications.

Main Duties

1. Maintain and manage Drosophila stocks, design and perform genetic crosses, and generate flies carrying specific genetic combinations.
2. Perform molecular biology experiments, including DNA extraction, PCR, molecular cloning and genetic construct preparation.
3. Dissect and prepare Drosophila testes and other tissues for cellular and molecular analyses.
4. Perform immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy to investigate mitochondrial morphology, mtDNA localisation and dynamics during spermatogenesis.
5. Conduct experiments to investigate the mechanisms regulating mtDNA maintenance, distribution and organisation during sperm development.
6. Analyse microscopy images and experimental data using appropriate image analysis and statistical tools.
7. Maintain accurate experimental records, organise research materials and contribute to laboratory management.
8. Work collaboratively with other team members, contribute to experimental planning and troubleshooting, and support the preparation of research reports and publications.
9. 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.
10. Ability to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
11. 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 manager for approval on any proposed changes.

Health and Safety duties

1. Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. 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.
2. 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.
3. Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
4. Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
5. Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for laboratory.

General Administration and Organisation

1. Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
2. Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems.
3. Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
4. Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
5. Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.
6. Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
7. Maintain a technical support based teaching laboratory website (how to guides for the preparation of materials, practical setup guides), and keeping these up to date as and when session requirements or protocols change or maintaining relevant research lab databases/records.

Other Duties

1. 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.
2. Treats everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation.
3. Any other duties as may reasonably be required.
4. Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

1. A Bachelor’s degree in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology or a related discipline.
2. A master’s degree in relevant area is a not required, but a plus.
3. Demonstrated practical experience in Drosophila genetics, including maintaining fly stocks and performing genetic crosses.
4. Strong molecular biology skills, particularly PCR, DNA extraction and molecular cloning.
5. Knowledge of developmental biology (an understanding of germ cell development is a plus).
6. Experience in fluorescence microscopy, preferably including confocal microscopy and image analysis.
7. Good organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
8. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
9. Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
10. Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
11. Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
12. Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
13. Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
14. Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
15. Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
16. Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures relating to equality and diversity.
17. Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document.

OH required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquiries to Hansong Ma, email: h.ma.6@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 the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.