Technician

Department of Biology (CNAP)

The genetic control of oilseed rape characteristics of relevance to food security, industrial biotechnology or the environment

The development new crop plants with improved resilience, sustainability or quality is of increasing importance. The Bancroft Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of York has Defra-funded crop improvement projects which are focussed on oilseed rape.

Role

This role will provide technical and scientific support to the Bancroft Lab, assisting with existing research projects investigating the genetic basis of trait variation. The post holder should be skilled in molecular biology and plant propagation (ideally oilseed rape), and will have experience of assisting with the day to day running of labs, and providing support to other lab members.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

The successful candidate will hold a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant area, should have skills in molecular biology and plant husbandry (ideally in oilseed rape and/or wheat), and have experience of assisting with the day to day running of labs, and providing support to other lab members.

Role holders will be required to undertake some or all of the duties below:

• Work on own initiative to help solve problems which achieve the objectives of the work area, raising any issues with more senior staff.
• Plan and perform experiments or other tasks using a range of scientific techniques, sometimes working from a limited brief.
• Liaise with appropriate staff to ensure the work area and equipment are kept operational.
• Be responsible for the maintenance, modification, repair and operation of equipment in the work area, liaising with service engineers.
• As required solve faults and repair technical equipment.
• Work effectively with staff and students, providing technical advice in relation to the work area and techniques used.
• Pro-actively update and improve processes and support change in the work area.
• Understand, promote and apply relevant COSHH/risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols ensuring procedures are followed at all times.
• Maintain accurate records of work undertaken, including reports, using appropriate software.
• Contribute to the development of protocols, standard operating procedures and maintenance schedules for the work area.
• Assist with purchasing including ordering and distributing goods.
• Manage a small budget. Monitoring resource usage and maintaining supplies of key items.
• Communicate and, if required, make presentations of own work activities to others in the team.
• Provide inductions, training and demonstrations of specialist techniques ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
• To contribute to and support change in the work area.
• When required manage team resources, to coordinate and plan the day to day activities of a group of staff.
• To actively demonstrate a commitment to professional development by continuing to advance knowledge, understanding and competencies.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Andrea Harper (andrea.harper@york.ac.uk)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork