Laboratory Technician

The University   

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.   

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.    

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.   

The Role and the Department   

Applications are invited for a laboratory technician to support the research and operation in Dr Jeongmin Choi 's laboratory, starting as soon as possible. This post is full time, fixed term for a 2-year period with an option for 1 year extension. This is an exciting opportunity for somebody passionate about scientific research to join a friendly and vibrant team in a brand new laboratory. Dr Choi's group aims to create a positive and respected environment to work in to ensure the wellbeing of all its members.

• The role holder will report to Dr Choi and will provide technical support, contributing to the smooth running of research activities across her group.

• The role holder will prepare and analyse samples in support of research activities. Practical experience in laboratory technician/biological scientific research work is essential. Experience with molecular biology (PCR, cloning, RNA extraction), plant tissue culture and horticultural practices would be an advantage.

• The role holder will have good IT skills, excellent organisation skills and the ability to work independently once trained.

• The role holder will work as part of a wider team of laboratory technicians and willingness to help when demands are high and being a strong team player is essential.

• The role holder will also need good communication and interpersonal skills.

The Department of Biosciences is composed of 68 academic staff and research fellows; around 50 research and technical support staff; over 90 Research Postgraduate students and over 500 Single Honours undergraduate students. Our research and teaching is supported by outstanding research infrastructure in advanced bioimaging, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-performance computing and field research. The Department of Biosciences is currently ranked in the top 5 UK Biology Departments in University league tables (2nd in the Guardian University Guide, 4th in The Complete University Guide) and has a 100% internationally recognised research environment (REF2021). Our basic science underpins applications across various sectors of the bio-economy, including Biotechnology, Ecology and Agrotechnology.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation and progression. The Department embraces excellence in all of its forms and invites all qualified applicants to apply. We particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in the academic sector.

Working at Durham     

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

•    You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
•    You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions. 
•    Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
•   We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.  
•    We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community. 
•    Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).  
•    If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships. 
•    We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.  

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.   As a university equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. 

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.

Your application should cover the following criteria:

Essential Criteria

Qualifications/Experience

1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent relevant experience.

2. Practical experience in a research laboratory, preferably in plant sciences, plant biotechnology and a related field.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

3. Knowledge or experience in at least one of the following areas: molecular biology, plant tissue culture, horticulture

4. Ability to follow protocols, maintain accurate records, and adhere to lab safety and good research practices..

5. Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.

6. Good spoken and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as a part of a team and train new members.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in beneficial plant-microbial interactions (e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis).
• Experience in horticultural activities, including watering, growing and routine plant maintenance.
• Familiarity with lab operations, including procurement, inventory management, and stock preparation, safety documentation, and training an supporting other lab members.

How to apply       

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).       

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.         

Submitting your application        

We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails         

What you are required to submit:   

• A CV    
• A supporting statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification     

Contact details        

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Dr Jeongmin Choi (jeongmin.choi@durham.ac.uk) would be happy to speak to you.

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery

• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

• Conduct and analyse lab experiments (e.g. plant tissue culture and various molecular biology and horticulture procedures)

• Grow and propagate plant resources (e.g. planting, watering, harvesting seeds)

• Assist lab procurement to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory.