Technician - Bioinformatics

Salary Range:

£33,002.00 - £38,784.00

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, creating a community where colleagues feel respected and valued. We aim to reflect the diversity of our students and communities, and to strengthen our university through collaboration and diverse perspectives, across all roles at the University.

The Centre for Biomedicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Hull provides a research-active environment that supports both academic and externally funded research programmes across a diverse range of biomedical disciplines. The Centre for Biomedicine is based in The Hull York Medical School (HYMS), the joint medical school of the Universities of Hull and York, and home world-leading research and one of the UK’s most exciting and innovative undergraduate Medicine programmes. Our research is improving the lives of patients locally and impacting national and international health agendas, in areas such as cancer research, mental health and public health. It includes 30+ academics and a breadth of staff and students including undergraduates. Established in 2016, the Centre for Biomedicine is known for its teaching of Biomedical and Forensic Science and research in cardiovascular disease, metabolism and women’s health.

The Guinn Lab focusses on research on women’s health and specifically endometriosis and ovarian cancer. You will provide specialist technical support and take independent responsibilities within Dr Barbara Guinn’s research group and contribute directly to the delivery of research projects by supporting the work of this busy lab, both through the receipt and processing of samples but also data analysis, and figure preparation for grants and papers.

You will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of equipment and laboratory processes relevant to her research portfolio. Your day-to-day responsibilities will also include training staff and students, liaising with external suppliers, ensuring health and safety compliance, and contributing to the smooth running of our laboratories. Most critically and leaning into your unique skill set you will assist the GuinnLab with the detailed statistical analysis data commensurate with your FHEQ level 7 qualification in the same and your ongoing FHEQ level 8 studies.
The University has a rich history of research and innovation dating back to 1927. Our goal is pursuit of excellence to create a fairer, brighter, and carbon-neutral world, as outlined in our University Strategic Plan 2030. At the UoH, we recognise the inherent value of high-quality research and knowledge exchange, which fosters mutual benefit, learning, and satisfaction. It informs and is informed by our teaching and research, fosters diverse relationships, enhances financial sustainability, enriches the experience and employability of our community, and elevates our stature and reputation.

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Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post

• Assisting with research projects:

Provide specialist technical/research support to internally and externally funded research projects within the Guinn group, contributing expert knowledge across various research project themes. The postholder will be responsible for running experimental studies, collecting and analysing data, and supporting staff, students and external partners to interpret results. You will also be expected to collate data and draft experimental reports.

Plan and prioritise own workload to meet deadlines, may be required to delegate work to others within agreed objectives.

Supervise and mentor work experience pupils. Support undergraduate and postgraduate students, and visiting staff during laboratory experimental activities, providing advice, training and guidance on various laboratory methods and data analysis protocols. Encourage good laboratory practices and ensure adherence to safety and ethical protocols.

Keep accurate records of samples and reagents, manage stock and procurement of consumables, and small equipment. Evaluate suppliers, place orders, and track deliveries.

• Operating and maintaining equipment:

The postholder will be familiar with relevant laboratory instruments and/or demonstrate the ability to operate complex equipment, including troubleshooting and solving issues as they arise. This includes liaising with service engineers, equipment suppliers and colleagues to support efficient running of hardware and software.

• Ensuring safety:

The postholder will adhere to safety guidelines and protocols, including proper handling of chemicals and waste disposal, in line with university policies and procedures. The postholder may also be required to contribute to writing SOP’s, COSHH and Risk Assessments, updating existing policies and procedures as directed by senior colleagues.

• Preparing samples and reagents:

The postholder will be expected to oversee biomedical sample preparation and analysis (including use of automated sample solutions), calibrate instruments, and ensure the availability of necessary materials and consumables. This will involve monitoring stock levels and ordering consumables are required. Collect biological specimens from the local NHS Trust hospital sites and ensure viability and audit trail of samples is compliant with ethical standards.

• Training, mentoring and data analysis:

The postholder will support the laboratory induction process of new team members and external visitors, provide practical hands-on support and expert advice where needed. You will Introduce new colleagues to policies and procedures. You will also maintain a database of pseudo-anonymised sample information, assist the Technical Services team to maintain the -80oC and liquid nitrogen biobank and provide details about samples within the biobank to staff and students in anticipation of their work.

The job requires data analysis and a MSc level of bioinformatics skills. This post will oversee the data analysis of staff and students and ensure that any submissions to grant or publishing bodies contain data that accurately reflects the findings of the lab. Activities will require proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word and Excel as well as detailed knowledge of specialist statistical and data analysis packages such as R and Python, use of the University of Hull’s VIPER supercomputer and analysis of data in the UK biobank.

• Collaboration and communication:

The role requires an individual with meticulous organisational and communication skills. The postholder will be able to operate under their own initiative, as well as contributing to the broader team, communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders providing support and advice particularly around data and statistical analysis.

This work is flexible and agile, so you are able to work from home, except when it is agreed within the group with you that you will collect and process patient samples.

 

Ensure compliance with health and safety policy and guidelines within the laboratory, with specific considerations for biological substances, coordinating aspects of safety required for general laboratory safety and good practice.

Compliance with University policies, including financial regulations, equal opportunities, promoting race equality policy, health and safety policy, information systems security policy and intellectual property rights and register of interest policies.

The postholder will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature as reasonably required by line management and/or senior colleagues.

The postholder is required to always follow all University policies and procedures and take account of university guidance.

Applications close at 00:01am of the closing date listed. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested in this role, please submit your application as early as possible.