Senior Research Technician

A laboratory technician post (Grade 6) is available for 2 years (full time, but with the option for flexible working hours) in the laboratory of Professor Keith Lindsey, Department of Biosciences, Durham University to work on a multidisciplinary industrial biotechnology and bioengineering project on environmental processing and recovery of metals.

The world in 2040 is expected to need 4 times as many critical minerals/metals for clean energy technologies as it does today. To achieve this goal, it is clear that environmental processing and recovery of minerals and metals will play a critical strategic role not only in sustainable resource management but also in waste reduction, pollution prevention, and the transition towards a more circular and environmentally conscious economy. This project unites specialists from across the UK who possess knowledge in essential technologies related to bio-extraction and bio-recovery of metals. We will collaborate to establish an open knowledge Hub aimed at enhancing ongoing projects of engineered organisms at various technology readiness levels that tackle important environmental issues associated with mineral extraction, urban mining, industrial waste, and legacy nuclear waste. The Engineering Biology Hub aims to provide a powerful suite of engineering biology tools
and approaches that represent sustainable and efficient solutions to address many of the environmental challenges concerning metal waste and metal-scarcity.

The technician will support this project through the functional characterization of bacterially biorecovered copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). Bio-synthesised CuNPs represent a potential application of biorecovery, as part of a circular economy approach to reduce the need for newly extracted copper and chemical processes for NP synthesis. We will 1) test the ability of biosynthesised CuNPs (using Shewanella oneidensis) to replicate the effects of chemically synthesised CuNPs on plant root growth (a bioassay for CuNP functionality), and 2) use CuNPs from engineered S. oneidensis, optimised for NP production. This £12 M project, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, links with a second large project with the water industry, to develop methodologies to prevent tree root ingress into built structures, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with team members both within Durham and also in other participating UK
Universities., We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails,

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.


• Ensure that the University's procedures and values are always reflected in all aspects of the service and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.


• Provide specialist advice and make decisions to resolve problems relating to the services you are responsible


• Share technical knowledge and expertise to support other team members.


• Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role and make recommendations based on your findings.


• Provide the best possible service by reviewing and make suggestions to improve the service.


• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately to provide reports.


• Manage, maintain and monitor designated equipment to ensure safety, security and compliance.


• Carry out specialist risk assessments and resolve incidents that require specialist expertise.


Planning and Organising

• Plan and organise own workload to deliver the role.


• Deliver assigned projects in accordance with agreed objectives ensuring a high level of accuracy, complexity, originality and excellence.


• Seek feedback from staff, students and anyone else that you come across as part of your role to ensure that the service is updated to meet customer expectations.


• Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services.


Teaching and Learning Support

• Commission, construct and setup test and experimental scenarios and practical sessions.


• Construct, test, repair and calibrate, tools, resources, equipment, components and instrumentation.


• Be an expert in the use of a range of machinery and equipment either physical, virtual or digital


• Provide high-level technical guidance and advice to solve problems and help shape the delivery of teaching, learning and research outcomes.


• Arrange the maintenance of technical and experimental facilities, teaching and research environments.


• Setup, demonstrate, instruct and supervise the use and operation of specialist pieces of equipment.


• Record, monitor and collate information, analyse patterns and trends as part of teaching and research activities.


Communication/Liaison

• Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees.


• Explain and demonstrate to others how to carry out tasks and use a range of tools, machinery, equipment and digital services.


• Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills, while swapping information with peers


• Build relationships with contractors and third-party suppliers to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives.
  
  1. Degree in biological sciences or a closely related subject, or equivalent experience


2. Industry or professional knowledge/recognition relevant to the role supported by relevant courses or certification.

3. Experience of working in a team.

4. Experience or ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.

5. Experience of implementing policies and procedures.

6. Experience of working in a research laboratory

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

7. Good spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.

8. Strong digital competence across a range digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications,

9. Ability to implement laboratory policies and procedures.

10. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other.

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.


• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.


• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.


• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.


• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).


• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.


• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.


• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.


• We offer generous pension schemes.


Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.

As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.