About the Role
Faculty of Science
School of Biological Sciences
Research Technician in Evolutionary Genetics
Ref: TC958
Starting salary from £26707 per annum, dependent on skills and experience, with an annual increment up to £30,378 per annum.
UEA has some of the most innovative and highly regarded centres for research in the UK. Applications are invited for the post of Research Technician in Evolutionary Genetics to assist in research under the supervision of Dr Karl Grieshop, working on a newly funded project that aims to understand the evolutionary repeatability of sex- and age-specific fitness in Drosophila.
The aim of the project is to evaluate the genomic basis of sex- and age-specific fitness across ten Drosophila species to determine whether molecular evolution produces repeatable, predictable solutions to common adaptive challenges. The research uses a unique combination of Drosophila breeding designs, genomic resequencing, and bioinformatics.
Key duties of the role include receiving, culturing, and maintaining laboratory populations across multiple Drosophila species, carrying out regular stock maintenance, scaling up population sizes, Drosophila husbandry, and population cage assays. Key duties also include sample collection, processing, DNA extractions, quality control, liaising with colleagues and support staff on day-to-day laboratory operations, contributing to lab meetings, research discussions, and related group projects.
You will have a graduate level qualification (BSc or equivalent qualification/experience) in biological sciences, genetics, molecular biology, zoology, or a related discipline. Essential requirements include practical skills in core molecular biology techniques (genomic DNA extraction, quantification, and quality control), experience with insect husbandry or handling laboratory organisms, strong organisational and problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail and record-keeping. Prior experience working specifically with Drosophila, familiarity with next-generation sequencing sample preparation (e.g., Illumina library workflows), or basic experience in command-line bioinformatics environments would be advantageous.
This full-time post is available from 1 February 2027 on a fixed term basis for three years.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applicants with the protected characteristic of disability, and race (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) for this post, as they are currently underrepresented in this type of role within the Faculty. Appointment will be made on merit and all applicants will be scored against the same criteria.
Benefits include:
- 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days (pro rata for part-time).
- Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
- Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
- Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
- Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
Closing date: 30 November 2026
The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.
Further Information
For further information, including the Job Description and Person Specification, please see the attached Candidate Brochure.
For an informal discussion about the post please contact Dr Karl Grieshop via K.Grieshop@uea.ac.uk.
