SENIOR TECHNICIAN

Area: Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology

Job Ref: 055047

Location: University Campus

Grade: Grade 6

Salary: £30,503 - £35,333 pa

Working Hours: 35

Tenure: Permanent

Online application> Shortlisting > Interview Process> Job Offer

University Background:

Founded in 1881 as the original `redbrick’, the University of Liverpool is one of the UK’s leading research
institutions with an annual turnover of £480 million, including £133 million for research. Liverpool is
ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide and is a founding member of the
prestigious Russell Group, comprising the leading research universities in the UK.

In the results of the independent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), The University of Liverpool
has reinforced its place as a world-leading research institution. As part of this national exercise to assess
the quality and impact of research at every UK University, 91% of the University’s research was classed as
world-leading or internationally excellent. Nine Liverpool research units achieved a top ten ranking for
their outstanding impact and 94% of the University’s research impact is now considered ‘outstanding’ or
‘very considerable’, recognising the wide-reaching benefits of Liverpool experts’ work in areas of health,
culture, policy, business, sustainability and more.

With a campus in the heart of the warm and welcoming city of Liverpool, the University is driving the city’s
knowledge economy through close collaboration with fellow universities, industry, and the NHS, helping
the Liverpool City Region compete in the global business world. Here you can work with us to conduct
research that has a positive impact on people and the planet, to share ideas with peers, with business, and
beyond, to further widen your worldview within our international network of academic partners, and to
prepare to be a true global citizen; we can help you to make a real difference to the wider world.

Faculty Background:

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS) is one of the UK’s leading centres for health and life science
research and education and is the only Russell Group University to offer scientific and clinical education
that spans the full range of biosciences, clinical, medicine, health sciences, dentistry, and veterinary
sciences. As a Faculty of experts in a broad range of health and life science disciplines, we aspire to
positively impact the health and well-being of our global citizens. We work in collaboration with our
partners to ensure our research has significant, tangible outcomes for society.

This Silver Athena SWAN award holding Faculty has over 2,350 staff, 7,200 undergraduates, and 3,900
postgraduate students who, together with many alumni and partners, are helping to deliver research that
addresses the most prevalent challenges impacting society today through a 'One Health' approach to our
research, recognising the connection between human, animal and environmental health.
The Faculty aims to be sector-leading in terms of innovation, research, education, and clinical impact,
which comprises of;

• Five Faculty-level enabling Directorates provide coordination, expertise, and dedicated professional
support to underpin our education, research, clinical activity, and state-of-the-art technology and
facilities.
• Four academic Institutes combine and complement our existing areas of strength in both teaching
and research.
• Faculty Management Office (FMO) which is positioned to offer guidance and support for all of the
administrative, strategic, and communications services for the Faculty, staff, and students
• Our vision is to enhance collaboration and foster interdisciplinary alliances, allowing better
integration of research and research-led teaching, increasing the critical mass focusing on areas of
research with high impact and lasting benefit to society.

The Faculty is committed to fostering the personal and professional development of its research staff by
offering an optimal research environment and is signed up to The Concordat to Support the Career
Development of Researchers . As part of the The Technician Commitment the Faculty recognises the
contributions of it’s technical staff and supports their development.

Institute Overview:

Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB):

The Institute of Systems, Molecular, and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) assists in integrating research into the
biology of life across a magnitude of scales, from single molecules through to whole organisms. Using
cutting-edge and world-leading multi-omics technologies, our research answers impactful biological
questions. A key focus of our research is on delivering novel therapeutics with reduced toxicity to patients
via an improved understanding of biological mechanisms. Our work spans the atomic structure of
molecules, signalling cellular pathways and the detection of abnormal cellular phenotypes.

We bring cutting-edge research into all areas of biology, at all scales. Our research and teaching uncover
new discoveries in biological and biomedical systems. We're tackling important societal problems, from
improving crops, to creating new diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions across many diseases.

School of Life Sciences

Led by Professor Mike Speed, the School ensures our students are exposed to cutting-edge technologies
and internationally renowned research centres in infection, cancer, and multi-omic approaches.
In collaboration with the other Institutes across the Faculty, we cover all Life Science disciplines, from
Biochemistry to Zoology integrating world-leading research and knowledge.

Biochemistry and Systems Biology

Led by Professor Patrick Eyers, our research brings together biochemistry, cutting-edge technology, and
multi-omics approaches to study the chemistry of life. From proteins to complex biological systems,
we provide vital links between both basic and translational research.

Cellular and Molecular Physiology

Led by Professor Sonia Rocha, our research provides a better understanding of how cellular
communication systems control the behaviour of cells, tissues and organisms. The results of our research
help to inform new therapeutic strategies for a wide range of diseases.

Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine

Led by Professor Michael Schmid, our research bridges discovery science to therapeutic applications in
cancer patients. Our mission is to optimise effective collaborations between scientists and clinicians to find
better ways to detect and treat cancer.

Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Led by Professor Reecha Sofat, our internationally excellent multidisciplinary research spans life, physical
and clinical sciences focussed on investigating mechanisms of drug efficacy and toxicity. Our aim is to
develop new and improve existing therapies for the benefit of patients.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences understands the positive benefits of employing a diverse range of
talented people and are committed to creating a diverse environment by ensuring that all qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, gender identity, or
expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age. Working together, as a community, we
will create an even more inclusive environment and culture, which aims to maximise the potential of our
staff and students.
University context:

This is a senior technical role supporting a large volume of varied activities within the Institute of Systems,
Molecular, and Integrative Biology. The newly formed Institute serves a wide range of research groups and
teaching across several sites on the University central campus. Within the Institute includes the following:

• School of Life Sciences (webpage: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/life-sciences/)

• Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology
• Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine
• Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling
• Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Your primary role function will be to support teaching activities; however, you may also be required to
provide occasional research departments outside term-time. The successful candidate will be assigned to
the School of Life Sciences and will act as the deputy for the technical supervisor. The individual will have a
responsibility in promoting health and safety by acting as one of the deputy safety coordinators, limited
supervision of staff, leading and assisting the academic module leads in delivering the undergraduate
practical, and reporting any operational issues to the technical supervisor and/or technical manager.
Occasionally, you will be asked to support other departments and buildings within the institute, as
required. A flexible approach to working is essential. You must have the knowledge and practical
experience in one or more of the biological subject areas (i.e. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Microbiology,
Molecular Biology).

Role Overview:

• The provision of an effective and efficient technical service within the Institute for staff and students.
• The organisation and supervision of a large technical facility/group of facilities supporting technical
and academic users e.g. teaching laboratories, research laboratories. You may also support other
facilities where required.
• Regular communication with staff and students on issues relating to the technical services,
facilities, and equipment under their supervision.
• Training of students in the Department/Institute.
• Training of technical staff in the Institute.
• Minimal supervision/management of technical staff.
• Deputising for the technical supervisor.
• Acting as the departmental safety representative/coordinator.
 • Carrying out safety audits and inspections.
• The maintenance of the laboratories including equipment.
• The ability to work independently and a flexible approach to working is essential.
• See the extra factual data section and job specification for further details.

You will report directly to the Technical Supervisor / Institute Technical Manager.

University Context:

A senior technical role supporting a large volume of varied academic activity in an academic
department/institute.

Responsibilities:

The balance of accountabilities will vary depending on the nature of the technical facilities and activities
supported by a particular role:

• Ensures the implementation of a safe working environment using good working practices in line
with relevant legal requirements.
• Ensures risk assessment and COSHH forms are prepared by staff and students within the facility,
providing instruction and advice on completion of forms following legal and local requirements as
required; likewise, records attendance in the facility, usage of equipment, and undertakes such
other monitoring as may be required.
• Oversees the general cleanliness, organisation, and tidiness of the facility and disposal of hazardous
wastes. Ensures contaminated apparatus is dealt with safely following proper procedure. Ensures
redundant equipment or used consumables are disposed of safely and following sustainability
policies.
• Organises and supervises specified technical facilities and the equipment within them.
• Installs new equipment and prepare safe operating guides/procedures, ensuring these are
displayed and accessible to all.
• Ensures care and maintenance of facilities and equipment, enforcing proper preventative
maintenance procedures as necessary. Ensures faults are resolved and repairs effected in a timely
and cost-effective manner. Maintains adequate stock levels & requisitioning of apparatus and
materials, where appropriate.
• Costing and cost control to the instruction of and within limits set by the line manager.
• Ensures the safe, proper, and effective use of equipment and facilities through the provision of
advice to staff and students, the documentation of operating guidance, and the ad hoc or
scheduled demonstration of equipment usage to individuals or groups of staff and students.
 • Supports required outcomes from the use of equipment and facilities, through consultation with
and advice to staff about the application of technical equipment, methods, and facilities for
research, teaching, and professional purposes.
• Applies technical expertise, initiative, and problem-solving techniques to produce solutions for
academic requirements such as the design and construction of experiments. Uses quantitative and
qualitative analysis where necessary to determine or evaluate practice; assists with the
interpretation of results.
• Liaison and networking with outside agencies, visitors, etc.
• Supervises (and where specified line manages) other technical staff as appropriate, including
training of technical staff in the relevant techniques and responsibility for their all-round
development.
• Undertakes training as required and maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of
the safe and effective use of the facilities, tools, and equipment under your supervision.
• Undertakes other duties commensurate with the grade as required by the Technical
Manager/Technical Supervisor.

Extra Factual Data:

The individual(s) will be carrying out the tasks, but are not limited to, the following:

Support Institute and Departmental core laboratory duties:

• Supporting core technical functions in departments and coordinate with the setting up of the
module/practicals for undergraduates and postgraduates:

o Deputise for technical supervisor - limited supervision of technical staff.

o Line manages allocated staff and conducts PDR’s as required.
o Act as a demonstrator during teaching practicals.
o Liaises with academic module leads.
o Ensures and responsible for the delivery of designated practicals are set up in a reasonable
time frame.
o Applies experience and technical knowledge to further improve the practicals for academic
lead modules such as making the set up and construction of practical experiments are
efficient and up-to-date.
o Responsible for the day-to-day management of a multi-user laboratory; ensures tidiness and
continuity of the provision of facilities at all times.
o Responsible for preparing/implementing standard operating procedures and standard
practices within multi-user laboratories/facilities
 o Advising and training technical staff, researchers, and students in the relevant techniques
and responsibility for their all-round development.
o A specialist user of complex equipment/techniques. Provides highly specialist technical
advice/assistance to teaching and research students in the design of experiments and use of
equipment. The activity covers several fields including microbiology, virology, molecular
biology, biochemistry, proteomics, pharmacology, immunology, and more.
o Responsible for setting up, operation, maintenance, calibration, and training of users of
laboratory equipment. Ensures equipment is functional at all times, carries out regular first-
line maintenance tasks, investigates and identifies faults, and carries out minor repairs.
o Responsible for planning and monitoring laboratory resources. Source suppliers and new
equipment. Place orders when required.
o Ordering laboratory consumables for use, unpacking deliveries, and restocking shelves to
maintain consumables levels.
o Fill in order requisition forms to procure equipment and consumables.
o Dealing with company reps and keeping up to date with the latest equipment/ best prices.
o Responsible for monitoring compliance with appropriate standards
o Provides cover for absence across the Institute when required.
o Occasional participation in research projects may be required.
o Performing any other reasonable duties, as required

• General housekeeping:

o Ensuring the laboratory facilities are used and maintained correctly

o Use of autoclaves, glasswashers, water purification machines, and more
o Maintenance of lab coats, including distribution and arranging regular autoclaving before
laundering
o Ensure adequate stock levels of apparatus, reagents, and materials within the area of
responsibility, and request procurement of consumable items as appropriate.
o Disposing of biological material and hazardous waste. Assisting with the autoclave
decontamination of biological waste, if required.
o Cataloguing of freezer samples and databases. Defrosting of freezers/cleaning of fridges when
necessary.
o Maintaining supplies of liquid nitrogen, ensuring vessels are topped up, and transporting
dewars to the required delivery point for a refill.
o Ensuring and assisting with the changeover of gas cylinders.
o Preparing media and solutions.
o The monitoring and general cleaning, care, and maintenance of the laboratories including
equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, freezers, hoods, water baths, work surfaces,
shelving, floors, routine sterilisation of CO2 Incubators, and more.
 o Growing, storing and maintenance of cell lines and stocks, if required.
o Routine testing of cells for mycoplasma infection, if required.
o Assisting with PAT testing.
o Recycling collection.
o Legionella flushing.
o Deliver goods to end-users, if required.
o Reporting faults to the relevant departments/estates/personnel.
o Performing any other reasonable duties, as required

• Health and Safety

o Act as a deputy safety coordinator for the school/department.

o Monitoring and reporting to the technical supervisor/compliance and regulatory
coordinator/technical manager of any infringements of laboratory regulations/practices
within the institute.
o Monitor staff and student compliance with preparation and review of risk assessment and
COSHH forms. Provide instruction, advice and quality review of the safety forms as required.
To ensure local safe operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, and COSHH records are
kept up to date.
o Maintains local records of assessments, training and equipment usage and undertakes other
safety monitoring as required.
o Responsible for inducting, training and supervision of teaching/research staff and students
as necessary.
o Undertake HMO activities to support the satellite site designated individuals and University
HTA designated individuals during local audits, HTA inspections and annual material returns.
Attendance and reporting during local HMO/PD meetings is also required (if appropriate) –
training provided if relevant to area/department/school.
o Monitor the working environment to ensure that safety equipment, emergency kits & work
areas are adequately maintained, and problems reported as necessary. Calibrate and
maintain test instruments and spraying equipment.
o Use and maintain personal protective equipment.
o Arrange for suitable disposal of waste.
o To maintain containment of the GM compartment in line with DEFRA/HSE requirements.
o Train all users of GM areas in the required local rules in line with GM regulations.
o Support and assist with the reporting to the technical manager and/or supervisor of any
infringements of laboratory regulations/practices within the institute.
o Assisting technical supervisor with safety-related tasks such as safety inspections, writing up
risk assessments, and code of practices.
• Laboratory skill sets that are required to carry out the role:
o See skills matrix

• Other
o Provide experimental support across the labs as required by the technical
manager/technical supervisor utilising molecular biology, biochemistry,
immunohistochemical, and tissue culture techniques.
o Carrying out basic recharging of accounts and liaising with the finance team.
o Perform any other reasonable duties, as required.
o Carrying out experiments as dictated by the area you will be assigned to.
o Willingness to work with animals. This is rare but is associated with any research or teaching
practicals if it occurs.
o Liaising with academic leads under the instruction of the technical supervisor.
o Occasionally, the appointed technicians will be required to support teaching in the School of
Life Sciences.
o Occasionally, you may be asked to deputise on tasks set out by the technical
supervisor/technical manager.

• Behavioural Expectations

o To participate in the University’s PDR (professional development review) process,

identifying and agreeing on developmental opportunities for personal and professional
development, and in response to changing needs within the Institute.
o Portray a positive “can do” and “make it happen” attitude to enable staff and students to
achieve their goals and the Institute to achieve its ambitions.
o A flexible approach to working hours is required.
o Staff operating at this grade are required to take responsibility for planning their work and
tend to plan and manage some short-term projects or coordinate activities and events.
o You will be required to adapt and suggest improvements to procedures, which may involve
the interpretation of customer requirements, and often contribute to decisions that impact
on the work of the section/area.
o At this grade, you are often required to apply working knowledge of theory and practice to
diagnose and resolve technical or procedural issues.
o You will be required and expected to demonstrate continuous specialist development. To
show and maintain an active approach to continual professional development (CPD).
o You may be required to guide team members at lower grades.
 • Points to Note

o The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general level of duties and
responsibilities of the post. The detailed duties may vary from time to time without
changing the general character or level of responsibility entailed as expected within the
role.

• Special conditions
o All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others, and the
environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required
to adhere to the University’s Health and Safety policy and procedures.
o The laboratory areas must remain open and appropriately staffed from 8 am until 6 pm
(Monday to Friday) to accommodate timetables classes or research.
o Due to the nature of the job, there may be a requirement to be called upon outside normal
working hours to assist with an emergency.
o All staff should hold a duty and commitment to observing the University’s Equality &
Diversity policy and procedures at all times. Duties must be carried out following relevant
Equality & Diversity legislation and University policies/procedures.

Additional requirements:

Manual Handling
The post involves bending, stretching, and the manual handling of loads up to 15kg. A system to control
the risks is in place. The appointment will be subject to Occupational Health screening.

Bio Hazards
You will be working in an area where there may be a risk of infection, although appropriate measures will
be in place to control the risk. You may be offered appropriate immunisations and/or records of your work
with infectious material/infectious micro-organisms may be kept. The appointment will be subject to a risk
assessment by the University’s Safety Advisor’s Office.

Pathogens
You will be required to handle pathogens or potentially infected specimens of unfixed human/animal tissue
(including blood), although appropriate measures will be in place to control the risk. You may be offered
appropriate immunisations and/or records of your work with infectious material/infectious micro-organisms
may be kept. You will be advised in your offer letter to contact the occupational Health Department to check
on your vaccination status.
The appointee will be required to complete a health screening questionnaire and clearance from
Occupational Health must be received before exposure.

The appointee will be required to complete a health screening questionnaire and clearance from
Occupational Health must be received before exposure.

Diversity and Equality

We are very proud to hold Athena SWAN awards in recognition of our activities and policies promoting
gender equality and inclusivity of all our staff and students. We are committed to supporting our staff and
students in reaching their full potential, providing a fair and supportive environment and organisational
structure.

In addition to the above, all University of Liverpool staff are required to:

• Adhere to all University policies and procedures, completing all obligatory training and induction
modules, including Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety.
• Respect confidentiality: all confidential information should be kept in confidence and not released to
unauthorised persons.
• Participate in the University’s Professional Development Review scheme.
• Demonstrate customer service excellence in dealing with all stakeholders.
• Embody and uphold the University’s Vision and Values.
 Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria

Experience
Relevant practical experience working in Willingness to handle and work with animals
1.1 medical/biosciences/biological laboratories.
Experience in providing training/supervision Experience in aseptic techniques and maintaining tissue
to students and researchers concerning culture cell lines
1.2 relevant technical tasks and the use of
laboratory equipment

Microbiological/bacteriological techniques Experience in brightfield and fluorescence

including aseptic transfer of bacteria, streak microscopy including image acquisition
1.3 plate technique, isolating a pure culture of
an unknown bacterium, etc
Experience in carrying out protein Experience in managing technical staff
1.4 purification, sample separation, and
quantification/estimations
Experience in carrying out SDS-PAGE and
1.5 Western Blotting
Experience and knowledge of molecular biology
1.6 techniques including conventional PCR and/or
real-time PCR.
Experience in handling and processing human
1.7 and animal samples (i.e. tissue, blood, urine,
bronchial lavage, stools, etc)

Education, Qualifications and Training

BTEC Higher Level or equivalent in a relevant Relevant biological degree (e.g. Molecular Biology,
2.1 Biochemistry, Microbiology)
scientific subject
2.2 Work experience in the same area of work Demonstrate continuous professional development
An enthusiasm to pursue ongoing training, develop new
2.3 skills, and progress in a technical career
Possession of the Registered Science Technician
2.4 (RSciTech) certification or a willingness to complete.

Skills, General and Special Knowledge

Health and safety knowledge and training (e.g.
3.1 CoSHH, risk assessment)
Knowledge of creating, monitoring, and auditing,
3.2 SOP’s, Risk Assessments, and COSHH
3.3 Knowledge and experience in chemical safety
 Ability to communicate at all levels and provide a
3.4 clear understanding of the importance of Health
and Safety
Ability to problem-solve technical queries
3.5 proactively and efficiently
Negotiating, persuading, and influencing to get
3.6 others to adopt suggested practice
Computer literate and able to use standard office
3.7 software such as Microsoft Office, particularly
Word, Excel, and Access
Can work independently to identify and address
3.8 operational issues either reactively and
proactively

Personal Attributes and Circumstances

Ability to prioritise, organise workloads, meet A valid full, clean driving licence
4.1 deadlines, and reach decisions quickly and
accurately.
Flexible approach to work with working hours to Ability to interact productively with a wide range of
accommodate technical services/teaching University staff, clinical multidisciplinary teams, and
4.2 practicals. outside agencies

4.3 Adaptable to change

4.4 Self-motivation and proactivity.
4.5 Friendly and approachable manner
"Our vision is to be a connected, global University at the forefront of knowledge leadership."
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Janet Beer

Established in 1881, we are an internationally renowned Russel Group university recognised for our high-
quality teaching and research. We are consistently ranked as one of the best universities both nationally
and globally, and the majority of our research is rated world leading or internationally excellent. Find out
more here.

Our Areas
When you work at the University of Liverpool you are more than just your job role. You are a crucial part of
our mission to improve lives on a local, national and international scale. Click on the relevant link(s) below
for more information on the area you will be working in.
Faculty School/Institute and Department Research

Why Work Here

We recognise, appreciate and celebrate the incredible work our staff do every day. As well as generous
terms and conditions, we offer a range of enviable benefits and provide support for colleague’s wellbeing
and development. Discover more here.

Moving from abroad

As a global institute, we welcome applicants from all nationalities, moving from a different country can be
challenging and we would like to help as much as we can, we have put together some information on
eligibility to work documentation, accommodation, schools, healthcare, life in Liverpool and the UK as well
as other practical information. Discover more here.

Our Staff
Whether it be their friendly colleagues, supportive managers or our outstanding facilities, our staff can
explain better than anyone what it is like to work for us and why they enjoy their role. See what they have to
say here.
The University of Liverpool is committed to being an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from
everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

Contacting us
Shortlisting and interview arrangements are the responsibility of the recruiting department. Please email:
kevin.cham@liverpool.ac.uk

Application process
Our e-recruitment system enables you to register for an online account, where you can view, copy and edit
your applications. Set up your account here.

Once you submit your application you will receive an automatic email acknowledgment. You can view your
application at any time by clicking into the application history section of your account.

Job description
After the closing date this job description will be removed from our website. Should you wish to refer to this
information at a later date please ensure you save a copy of this document.

Right to work
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start
working for us. If you do not have the right to work in the UK already, any offer of employment we make to
you will be conditional upon you gaining it. The UKVI have an interactive tool allowing you to immediately
see if vacancies are eligible for a Skilled Worker visa. You will need to know the SOC code for the role, our
most used SOC codes can be found here, if none of these apply to this role, there are more codes on the
eligibility checker. The skilled worker eligibility checker can be found on GOV.UK.
Disabilities and alternative formats
If you have any other requirements which will help you access the application or interview process or
employment opportunities at the University, or if you require copies documentation in alternative formats,
please email: jobs@liverpool.ac.uk or telephone 0151 794 6771.

Outcome of your application

The recruiting department will endeavour to respond to each application. However, if you have not heard
within six weeks of the closing date, please take it that your application has not been successful on this
occasion.