**Please note that this vacancy is open to current University of Glasgow employees only.** 

Job Purpose

To provide in-depth technical support to the BBSRC funded project on bioengineering models of human immune organs (e.g., lymph nodes, tonsils, bone marrow), as non-animal alternatives for drug development. To work with Dr Hannah Donnelly within the multidisciplinary Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment provide advice on the creation, set up and best operation of technical resources to aid the delivery of research objectives. In addition, the postholder will undertake a range of technical support activities in line with the College/School/Group Strategy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Undertake specialist technical aspects of the research projects as instructed by the PI and provide technical expertise in cell culture, handling of patient samples and microscopy as a member of the research group.

2. Provide in-depth technical knowledge, support, solutions, and advice to the research team including research, teaching and technical staff, undergraduate and post-graduate/PhD students within the specified discipline or assigned research project to maximise the learning experience and/or contribute to the delivery of research objectives.

3. Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of the lab to ensure an excellent experience for service users.

4. Develop, create and test new equipment, systems, procedures, protocols, models and/or techniques. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems carrying out appropriate maintenance as required.

5. Design, plan and organise technical activities to meet the needs of service users within agreed timescales.

6. Advise, train and provide guidance to service users in the best application and operation of technical resources.

7. In liaison with relevant senior staff, monitor technical standards, advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.

8. Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate records are kept and databases are updated accordingly. Present findings accurately. This may include research and/or teaching related data.

9. Where relevant, maintain appropriate stock levels, including appropriate preparation of specialised media and samples as required, and purchase consumables and supplies within defined budget.

10. Where relevant, and in consultation with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical workspace and facilities, implementing health and safety policies as determined by the University and the Health and Safety Executive. Support the completion of risk assessments.

11. Where relevant supervise staff including allocating work and monitoring progress and outputs.

12. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required, including the Technician Commitment key themes, https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/technicians/

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.  Demonstrable in-depth technical knowledge in relevant scientific or technical specialism – cell biology or immunology or bioengineering.

Desirable

B1.  BSc Degree or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline.

B2.  Knowledge of cell engineering, bioengineering, hydrogels or immunology.

Skills

Essential

C1. Demonstrable specialised technical skills aligned to life sciences.

C2. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner in a similar environment.

C3. Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist software, such as imageJ, R studio.

C4. Proven interpersonal and communication skills.

C5. Excellent teamworking skills.

C6. Ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet competing demands.

Desirable

D1. Experience/enthusiasm for learning new skills and developing parts of the research programme independently, such as in traction force microscopy.

D2.  Previous experience working with clinical samples.

D3.  Experience developing biomaterials, for example hydrogel synthesis.

Experience

Essential

E1. Relevant work experience within a similar environment, including evidence of previous professional development.

E2. Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of lab users.

E3. Experience of planning and organising own workload to meet the needs of service users.

E4. Understanding of relevant health and safety policies and procedures relative to the role, and the quality outputs and standards required.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5,  £28,031 - £31,236 per annum, pro rata.

This post is part-time (21 hours per week), and open ended with funding available up until 01 September 2027 in the first instance.

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 Wednesday 17th December 2025

We anticipate that the shortlisting outcome will be communicated to candidates in January 2026.