Job Description

The Post

The post will deliver molecular and cellular biology technical skills for academic and other colleagues within the Faculty. The role is part of a team of technical specialists delivering learning, teaching and research support to the laboratories within the Biological and Environmental Science and Aquaculture divisions.



As a key member of the Biological Science team the postholder will work with academic staff to ensure the efficient delivery of Molecular and Cellular Biology technical skills across the faculty ensuring that technical services are delivered to the highest standard when and where they are needed. The position will ensure technical skills are kept up-to-date and the role will have responsibilities to ensure that the highest health and safety standards are maintained at all times.



The Biological Sciences Technical Specialist team will support academics and other project leaders with all aspects of molecular and cellular biology including: cloning, gene expression, cell culture and microbiology. Biological Science Technical Specialists will use a range of experimental techniques including DNA sequencing, PCR and qPCR analysis and advanced cellular biology procedures. The role will support both the faculty's learning and teaching and its research and enterprise agendas.

Description of Duties

Core molecular tasks to include the extraction of nucleic acids, the development and application of qPCR assays including: cloning, sequencing and assay verification Growth of bacteria and cell cultures using traditional and novel culture techniques Contribute to the development of teaching and support delivery of practical sessions to students Provide technical guidance for specific project tasks and supervise less experienced members of staff and students Act as a recognised source of technical expertise to troubleshoot and diagnose any problems or issues as they occur Collaborate with researchers based in other academic divisions in teaching and research projects Contribute to reports, presentations and publications Monitor equipment activity ensuring all calibrations are conducted to the appropriate schedule, and routine maintenance tasks are completed Responsibility for the overall laboratory management ensuring an acceptable level of consumable stocks and relevant materials necessary for the research project delivery Ensure compliance with Health & Safety standards in the area of responsibility

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

Educated to Degree level or equivalent (where no formal qualifications are held, additional, relevant experience is required)

Knowledge & Experience

Strong understanding of modern molecular and microbiology techniques Practical experience in molecular biology techniques and microbiology assays including working with bacterial isolates, extraction of nucleic acids, development and application of qPCR assays including: cloning, sequencing and assay verification Experience in supporting academic research projects Experience in training and supervising students and junior colleagues in laboratory techniques Ability to engage with academic literature and writing of reports

Skills & Attributes

Ability to organise own and other's activities to maintain timely provision of results and staff and student training Strong written and oral communication skills Ability to work under own direction with minimal supervision on routine laboratory matters Ability to confidently engage with colleagues at all levels and to gain the confidence of members of staff and students across the university Ability to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, judgement and discretion Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadline Good technical problem-solving skills and an ability to adapt in situations where the outcomes are unexpected or undesirable Compliance with Health & Safety legislation Accurate record keeping and computer skills

Additional Information

Full time

Open ended



The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 15 February 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 24 February 2026.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.


This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 3119.



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Information Services delivers the library, IT, digital learning technology and other information needs and services to enable all students and staff of the University of Stirling to learn, research and work here. Our mission is to equip and empower our users and ourselves to function and achieve successful outcomes in the digital age. We strive to achieving excellent customer service and always aim to exceed our users' expectations.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: SERV02013