Research Associate - Birmingham, United Kingdom - University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham

Verified Company

Birmingham, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

Position Details
School of Biosciences

Location:
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2025

Closing date: 7th April 2024

This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.

Background

To work within the lab group of Prof. James McDonald (Biosciences) supporting and conducting research within the Principal investigator's group.
The role has two key facets: (1) managing the daytoday operation of the laboratory, and (2) assisting with the delivery of research projects in the group (see specific details below).

Role Summary
You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support within Prof McDonald's research group.

You will oversee the day-to-day management of the research lab and facilities, and assist the principal investigator with training and supervision of researchers and students associated with the group.

be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.

You will need an in-depth understanding of the research questions, techniques and experimental protocols.

You will be able to use your in-depth knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise.

You may occasionally need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures.

Work within specified research grants and/or projects
Operate within area of specialism
Contribute to publications

Main Duties

You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental and laboratories.
You will use your indepth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your manager for approval on any proposed changes.
You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety duties

Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. This may include being required to look after a communal area as part of your duties. Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.
Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff (at all levels) on the correct usage of the equipment.
Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
Reporting any breaches or noncompliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for the laboratory.
Post holders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider.

General Administration and Organisation

Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems.
Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.
Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
Maintain a technical support based teaching laboratory website (how to guides for the preparation of materials, practical setup guides), and keeping these up to date as and when session requirements or protocols change or maintaining relevant research lab databases/records.

Other Duties

In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.
Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair