Job Title: Research Technician

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Recruitment Role Profile Form

Job Title: Research Technician

School/Department: School Biosciences, Division of Plant and Crop Sciences

Salary: £22,249 - £26,537 per annum, depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this point is subject to performance.

Job Family and Level: Technical Services Level 3

Contract Status: Fixed Term – 12 Months

Hours of Work: Full time; 36.25 hours per week

Location: Sutton Bonington Campus

Reporting to: Professor Ian King / Dr Julie King

Purpose of the New Role:

A new technical assistant is required to assist in research in the monocot introgression group. The positions which will form part of a team associated with BBSRC grant BB/100260X/1 “Enhancing diversity in UK wheat through a public sector pre-breeding programme” will play a significant role in the UK’s national and international food security programme; The research will focus on the transfer of genetic variation for target traits into wheat from its wild and cultivated related species leading to the development of superior high yielding wheat varieties that are adopted to climate change and environmentally friendly agricultural practises. The post is required to achieve the objectives as defined by grant application.

Main Responsibilities
Carry out a range of specialist technical support tasks to fixed time and quality standards. / % time per year
1. / Carry out inter-crossings of wheat with related species (ability to work independently, and as part of a team, to deliver the requirements of the crossing programmes), chromosome doubling to produce fertile hybrids. / 30%
2. / Maintenance of large numbers of plants (2000 +) in the glasshouse, e.g. potting on, watering etc. threshing, sowing seeds etc. Attention to detail to avoid mislabelling or cross contamination between plant lines is critical due to the large number in use. / 30%
3. / Laboratory analysis including: Molecular genetics, e.g. running gels, performing PCR, developing media. Cytogenetics, e.g. Microscopy, chromosome counting, slide preparation, Molecular cytogenetics – Genomic in situ hybridisation. Troubleshoot problems with, and adapt/refine lab procedures and work practices. Contribute to the development of new or improved methods/techniques. / 20%
4. / Ensure that equipment/apparatus in own work area is maintained and services as necessary. Diagnose and rectify basic faults with equipment. Ensure stock requirements of basic lab equipment and consumables for own work area are maintained within limits defined by Prof Ian King. / 5%
5. / Meticulous record keeping at all stages. Carry out data analysis and contribute to the interpretation of results. Communication results and present data at lab meeting and with external research collaborators as required. / 5%
6. / Assist and train visiting researchers and research students in relevant techniques as appropriate. / 5%
General duties as required appropriate to the grade and role of the post holder. / 5%

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential / Desirable
Qualifications/ Education / ·  HNC or equivalent in relevant subject, plus significant work experience in a relevant role. / ·  Substantial experience in a relevant role.
Skills/Training / ·  Proven technical experience
·  Ability to write up experimental work, and to troubleshoot failed experiments.
·  Good time management skills.
·  Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
·  Motivation and commitment. / ·  Computer skills, including, biology-database searching, e.g. DNA sequence data bases, ordering accessions of plant material.
Experience / ·  Experience in large scale plant maintenance, husbandry.
·  Molecular biology laboratory experience. Proven ability to problem solve and to provide innovative solutions.
·  Ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently as required.
·  Willingness to learn new experimental/intellectual techniques.
·  Able to communicate effectively with supervisors and collaborators.
·  An understanding of the issues of confidentiality and to conduct themselves in a manner that protects any confidential information in their possession. / ·  Experience of working in the area of plant biology and genetics.
·  Experimental experience of monocot plant species, i.e. wheat and the grasses.
·  Microscopy techniques.

Decision Making

i) Taken independently by the role holder

1.  Scheduling of own workload to deliver requirements to set deadlines
2.  Keep meticulous experimental records
3.  Resolution of routine work problems
4.  Work safely and responsibly with regards to School rules

ii) Taken in collaboration with others

1.  Manage day-to-day activities as directed by Prof Ian King, Dr Julie King, Senior Technical Assistant and Post-doctoral research fellow associated with the project as appropriate.
2.  Liaise with fellow technical staff on project regarding day-to-day activities.
3.  Liaise with glasshouse staff regarding use of plant growth facilities.
4.  Communicate with other collaborators and attend meetings with them as required.
5.  Share expertise with more junior members of the laboratory e.g. research students.
6.  Contribute to group meetings.

iii) Referred to the appropriate line manager (please name) by the role holder

All referred to Professor Ian King
1.  Overall management and direction of research activity.
2.  Resolution of non-routine or complex problems that cannot be resolved independently.

Additional Information

The post is one of three funded on a BBSRC research grant awarded to Professor Ian King and Dr Julie King as part of long term BBSRC research programmes on wheat and the grasses aimed at combating the need for increased food production and to meet the needs of a changing environment.
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