Research Technician (Molecular Microbiology)
Research Technician (Molecular Microbiology)
- Posted 15 May 2026
- Salary Grade 5, £28,031 - £31,236 per annum
- End date 01 June 2026
- LocationGlasgow
- Job Type Technical And Specialist
- Reference199653
- Expiry 01 Jun 2026 23:45
Job description
Job Purpose
The School of Infection and Immunity is seeking to appoint a Research Technician to support research activities in molecular microbiology and host-pathogen interactions under the supervision of Dr Justine Rudkin (Principal Investigator). The post holder will contribute to the team’s research on the nasal microbiome, with a focus on intra-kingdom interactions between bacterial species, and host-pathogen interactions at the nasal epithelial cell surface.
The role will involve routine laboratory tasks alongside specialised research activities, and requires a consistent, hands-on presence in the laboratory. The successful candidate will demonstrate academic curiosity, reliability, attention to detail, and take a proactive approach to problem-solving and lab organisation. They will contribute to experiments, lab organisation, and supervision and training of team members, including students, to support ongoing research.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1.Provide technical and research support to ongoing research projects within the lab.
2.Design, plan, and carry out research activities to meet goals within previously agreed timescales.
3.Collect, analyse, and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate and reproducible records are kept.
4.Present findings accurately, communicating progress, delays, and issues in a timely and constructive manner.
5. Develop, create, and test new protocols, models, and/or techniques. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot experimental problems, carrying out appropriate optimisation as required.
6. In liaison with the PI, advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.
7. Take shared responsibility for the overall smooth and efficient running of the lab to ensure an excellent experience for all lab users.
8. Contribute to maintaining lab stock levels, including appropriate preparation of specialised media and samples as required. Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials.
9. In consultation with the PI and floor coordinator, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of workspaces and facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the completion of risk assessments and COSHH assessments, ensuring that all Health and Safety paperwork is completed timeously and recorded accurately, and implementing and adhering to all applicable health and safety policies, including specialist legal procedures for certain materials.
10. To supervise junior staff, where appropriate, and instruct, train and provide guidance to research staff and students in the techniques and operation of equipment and apparatus, as directed by the PI.
11. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required.
12. Keep up to date with advances in techniques and methodology and apply this knowledge to research activities to further enhance the delivery of research aims.
To be successful at the shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 [Advanced Higher / Scottish Vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate] or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
A2 Detailed technical knowledge and expertise in microbiology and molecular biology.
A3. Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation.
Desirable:
B1 BSc Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline is desirable.
Skills
Essential:
C1 Demonstrable in-depth technical skills aligned to the specified discipline or assigned research project. Details of the discipline/project are as described in thepost-specific information and advert.
C2 Significant IT skills, including proficient use of Microsoft Office and other relevant data analysis software.
C3 Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability, including a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
C4 Proven interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to navigate issues constructively.
C5 Excellent teamworking skills with experience of advising and/or supervising team members.
C6 Ability to plan and prioritise workload, including multitasking to meet competing demands.
C7 Significant relevant experience within a similar environment, either through work or study.
Desirable:
D1 Ability to prepare complex lab reagents, including performing necessary calculations
D2 Openness to feedback, with the ability to reflect on and learn from experimental challenges.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Experience of understanding and interpreting the practical requirements for lab-based experiments, and implementing appropriate methods to achieve research outcomes.
E2 Experience of planning and organising own workload to meet competing demands.
Desirable:
F1 Experience of culturing bacteria with good aseptic technique, preferably Cat. 2 pathogenic bacteria
F2 Experience of culturing and maintaining mammalian cell lines
F3 Experience of using fluorescent microscopy for live cell imaging
F4 Experience of using mass spectrometry to analyse protein composition
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 5, £28,031 - £31,236 per annum.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and fixed-term with funding available up until 31 July 2028.
We anticipate a start date as 1st August 2026.
Any informal enquiries on this post may be directed to Dr Justine Rudkin via email (justine.rudkin@glasgow.ac.uk)
Please note that for this vacancy, the University of Glasgow is unable to progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa category of the UKVI Points Based System. This is due to the role not meeting UKVI (Home Office) requirements.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Closing date: 23:45 on Monday 1st June 2026