Research Technician (Bioscience)

Health Sciences & Wellbeing Research Institutes

About the University of Sunderland 

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries. We're proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city.

The University of Sunderland has undergone significant expansion thanks to a major step-change in the University’s ambitions, building on the £75 million already invested on facilities in the last five years.   Indeed, the University is expected to invest a further £250 million over the next 10 years to transform facilities for students and staff underscoring a bold and ambitious outlook.

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results, University of Sunderland doubled its proportion of world-leading (4 star) or internationally excellent (3 star) rated research since its 2014 submissions. 89% of the published research was rated as ‘internationally excellent’ in the Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy category demonstrating continued growth and development in research.

About the role

An excellent opportunity has arisen within our Technical Team for a Biomedical Sciences Research Technician. You will contribute to drug discovery research projects by performing experiments and providing technical support as required, leveraging expertise to enhance the quality of research outcomes, and enabling the newly established John Dawson Drug Discovery and Development Research Institute to meets its objectives.

What you can bring 

You will have proven experience of a range of molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology techniques and processes, mammalian and bacterial cell culture, and genetic modification. You will be expected to work with the Head of the John Dawson Drug Discovery and Development Research Institute and Technical Team managers, and to collaborate effectively with academic, research and technical staff to support Institute operation and utilisation of resources. Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety legislation and the ability to carry out risk assessments are also essential.

The research technician position is a fixed-term contract until 31st July 2028 on a part-time basis (0.6FTE).

What we can offer you 

Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.

• Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays. 
• Enrolment into our workplace pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future. 
• Access to our “My Lifestyle Benefits Platform”, where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate. 
• Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being.
• For those with young children, our on-site nursery offers exceptional care and education for children from birth to school age, operating throughout the year.
• Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities. 

Equality, diversity & inclusion 

We strongly believe that an inclusive university, where a diverse range of individuals feel valued and have equal opportunity to get into work and reach their potential, is good for our staff, students, university, and society.

Our work on equality, diversity and inclusivity has never been more important. We believe inclusivity is an essential value at the heart of what we do, and we want all our staff to be part of that journey with us.

Our recent staff survey conducted in 2023 showed that 97% of our staff believed that we were committed to achieving an inclusive university.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 12^th May 2024 (23.59 GMT).

Interviews/assessments are likely to take place on Tuesday 21^st May 2024 

If you have any further queries that are not answered in this advert or role profile, please contact Victoria Hann - Team Manager (Biomedical and Sport) - victoria.hann@sunderland.ac.uk or Professor Jane Armstrong – jane.armstrong@sunderland.ac.uk