Job Purpose

Shared Research Facilities (SRF) seeks a new Technician to provide in-depth technical expertise in Next Generation sequencing. The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day organisation and sample management of the high-profile and commercially focussed Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) service laboratory, including the samples’ quality control, preparation of sequencing libraries and operating sequencing instruments as well as engaging with users at all stages of the workflow, maintaining all requisite lab supplies and liaising with all service contractors. Importantly, adapting flexibly to the needs of users to allow NGS-based research to remain competitive, including using experience and up-to-date knowledge to skilfully adapt, optimise or develop new experimental protocols. The position will be based in SRF, Gilmore Hill Campus and will report to Ms Julie Galbraith.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.          Provide in-depth technical support to academic and student service users within the Next generation sequencing in SRF. Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of the lab to ensure an excellent experience for service users

2.          Provide in-depth technical knowledge, solutions, and advice to service users to maximise the learning experience and contribute to the delivery of research

3.          To maintain the group’s laboratory equipment and diagnose faults and troubleshoot day to day problems relating to equipment, techniques, procedures and protocols, carrying out appropriate maintenance as required.

4.          In liaison with the lab and facility managers, monitor technical standards, advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols relevant as required.

5.          Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate research records are kept and databases are updated accordingly.  Present findings accurately.

6.          Plan and organise day to day work to ensure that the experimental goals are delivered within previously agreed timescales.

7.          To advise, instruct, train and provide guidance to research staff and students in the techniques and operation of equipment and apparatus as directed by the supervisor or PI.

8.          Support students or colleagues’ learning through the development and demonstration of equipment and techniques.

9.          Contribute to the well organised functioning of the laboratory and assist the PI in maintaining the stock levels and purchasing consumables and supplies, within budget, and in consultation with other members of the group.

10.       In consultation with the lab and facility managers, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the laboratory area 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 health and safety policies, as determined by the University and the Health and Safety Executive.

11.       Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and departmental research group activities.

12.       Keep up to date with advancements in technology and methodology, continually updating technical knowledge.

13.       Be aware of and comply with Equality and Diversity policies of the University of Glasgow.

The above duties are not exhaustive and the postholder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the PI/line manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

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 experience in relevant scientific or technical specialism.

A3. Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation.

Desirable:

B1. BSc Degree or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline.

B2. Working towards Professional Registration with the Institute of Science & Technology to RSciTech level, or above.

B3. Experience of NGS procedures

Skills

Essential:

C1 General molecular biology techniques, including real time PCR, DNA quality controls and sequencing library preparation

C2. IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office programmes and proficient user of specialist software packages.

C3. Well developed analytical and problem solving capability

C4. Proven interpersonal and communication skills

C5. Supervisory or line management skills, where appropriate.

C6. Numeracy and literacy skills

C7. A high level of accuracy and attention to detail

C8. Excellent organisational and time management skills and an ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet competing demands.

C9. Use of initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently

C10. Ability to work individually and as part of a team

Experience

Essential:

E1. Sufficient experience in working in DNA laboratory

E2. Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of staff and students.

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

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5, £26,338 - £30,805 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term. This post is to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns.

Planned start date 18 August 2025.

Please Note: If you are a current employee of the University of Glasgow, please be advised that the University would consider an internal secondment opportunity for this post. University of Glasgow applicants should seek clearance for release for internal secondment from their line manager before making a formal application.

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 7th July 2025