Research Technician

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research technician. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to This role supports research into host-microbiome interactions in the female reproductive tract, using microfluidic organ-on-chip platforms to model vaginal epithelial and microbial dynamics in real time. The postholder will contribute to sample processing, cell and bacterial culture, and imaging workflows underpinning studies of disease progression and treatment response. This work sits within a wider programme applying tissue-engineered, in vivo-like systems to advance women's health research and translational drug development. within a dynamic and inclusive environment.

You will be responsible for:

• Microbial culturing
• Mammalian cell culture
• Supporting PhDs and masters students with similar projects
• Lab maintenance and organisation.
  
  
  

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

Qualification/experience requirement:

BSc (or equivalent experience) in Microbiology, Biomedical Science, or a related life science discipline, with hands-on laboratory experience in microbial and/or mammalian cell culture; prior exposure to organ-on-chip, microfluidic, or tissue engineering platforms is desirable but not essential.

Core skill or competency:

Proficiency in aseptic technique and microbial/cell culture, with the ability to learn and operate microfluidic organ-on-chip systems, perform routine imaging (e.g. brightfield/fluorescence microscopy), and maintain accurate laboratory records to support ongoing host-microbiome research.

Desirable Criteria:

Additional skills or experience that would be beneficial:

Experience with imaging analysis software (e.g. ImageJ/Fiji, CellProfiler), molecular techniques such as ELISA or PCR, or basic data handling/statistics would be an advantage. Familiarity with microfluidic device fabrication, 3D printing, or engineering/prototyping skills is a plus, as is prior exposure to a clinical or diagnostic laboratory setting. We equally welcome candidates with strong transferable skills from other lab-based or technical backgrounds, such as problem-solving under time pressure, careful attention to detail, or experience troubleshooting equipment and protocols.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays
• Purple Place employee discount platform
  
  
  

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews

Name: Dr Raveen Tank

Email Address: Raveen.Tank@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.