Job Description

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range \xc2\xa331,396 to \xc2\xa333,966 with potential progression once in post to \xc2\xa338,205

Hours: Part Time (22.5 working hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to December 2026

Closes: 20th September 2023

Background

To create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research and through publication in the area of molecular biology and genomics for plant-microbe interactions. To work alongside a Research Fellow in delivering milestones associated with the SeptPROTECT project.

The Kettles and McDonald laboratories in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham are looking for a research technician to join in early 2024. This part-time post (3 days/week) will involve working on the BBSRC-funded project SeptPROTECT, which aims to understand molecular mechanisms of wheat resistance breakdown against the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. In this project, we aim to identify which Z. tritici secreted proteins (effectors) are involved in immune evasion of major disease resistance genes in wheat.

The Research Associate will be based in the Plant Science & Food Security theme within the School of Biosciences. The School of Biosciences hosts >40 research groups working on various aspects of plant and microbial science. The candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to research manuscripts and assist with supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Role Summary

To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and techniques. This may include, where appropriate to the discipline:

• Plan, execute and publish high-quality research
• Report research findings to the Research Fellow on a day-to-day basis and to line manager at regular intervals
• Assist with delivering research milestones
• Present findings in high quality publications and conference proceedings
• Assist with developing novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research being pursued
• Provide advice to colleagues and students within discipline
• Contribute to some administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research

Person Specification

• Normally, a BSc/MSc degree relevant to the research area (candidates with a PhD will also be considered) or equivalent qualifications
• Experience in scientific writing and data presentation and a track record of disseminating research findings to scientific audiences and through peer reviewed journals.
• Experience in managing large volumes of data.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work with own initiative, manage time effectively, progress tasks concurrently and work to deadlines.
• An understanding of molecular biology in an experimental setting.
• Experience with handling and manipulation of fungal pathogens.
• Ability to write concise and timely progress reports.
• Proven ability and experience in learning molecular biology protocols.
• Understanding of laboratory safety as applied to pathogen sample handling and fungal mutagenesis.

Informal enquires can be made to Graeme Kettles, email: quoting post number 102376.

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button:

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

\xc2\xa331,396 to \xc2\xa333,966. Grade 6

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