Main Purpose of the Job

The main purpose of the job is to provide support to the Beraza Lab research focused on defining the mechanisms underlying the influence of foods in the liver-gut-microbiome axis throughout life.

The appointed post is expected to provide technical support to:
i) Undertake experimental work in in vivo and in vitro models
ii) Analyse samples with a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques
ii) Characterise of the immune response in both the liver and the gut
vi) Contribute to the training of students

Key Relationships

Beraza has collaborations across the NRP; EI (Macaulay; single cell sequencing), UEA (Rushworth; host responses to infection in vivo) and NNUH (Rushbrook; liver disease patients’ biopsies). Beraza collaborates with groups across UK, Spain and Brazil.
The post holder will have the opportunity to work with these groups and create new links that will benefit their career progression.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Sample analysis using molecular and cell biology methodologies

70

Assisting in in vivo studies and tissue processing

15

Participation in training staff and students

5

Data analysis and record keeping

5

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

A levels in a scientific subject

Essential

Studying for BSc or equivalent in a scientific subject

Desirable

Technician training

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Molecular and cellular biology techniques such as nucleic acid and protein extraction

Essential

Able to understand and conform to standard operating protocols in a laboratory setting

Essential

In vivo skills

Desirable

Flow cytometry

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Sample analysis with wet-lab techniques

Essential

Accurate record keeping

Essential

Experience in training others

Essential

In vivo studies

Desirable

Cell culture

Desirable

Animal handling

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Good communication skills, both written and verbal

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Flexible and responsive approach to tasks

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Ability to prioritise in order to meet the needs of the group

Essential

Well organised with attention to detail and accuracy

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Quadram Institute Bioscience

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health.

We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation.

The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

For more information about working at Quadram Institute Bioscience, please click here.

Department

Gut Microbes and Health

Group Details

The Beraza lab is a dynamic research group that includes one BBSRC funded postdoctoral researcher, three PhD students; two NRP-DTP and one clinical Wellcome Trust fellow, two technicians as well as several undergraduate and visiting students. The Beraza Lab at the Quadram institute is focused on defining the mechanisms mediating the gut-microbiome-liver axis during health and disease.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Laboratory Technician

Applications are invited for a Laboratory Technician to join the Laboratory of Dr Naiara Beraza in the Gut Microbes and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Beraza Lab research focuses on investigating the mechanisms mediating the gut-microbiome-liver axis communication and its influence on host metabolic and immune functions.

The successful candidate will be involved and contribute to different projects established in the Beraza lab focused on understanding gut-microbes-liver interactions.

The role:

The main purpose of the role is to provide support to the Beraza Lab, whose research is focused on defining the mechanisms underlying the influence of foods in the liver-gut-microbiome axis throughout life.
The post holder is expected to provide technical support to:

i)  Undertake experimental work in in vivo models
ii) Analyse samples with a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques
ii) Characterise of the immune response
vi) Contribute to the training of students

The candidate will have access to training opportunities within the Norwich Research Park to develop their laboratory and analytical skills.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have proven knowledge and expertise on molecular and cell biology methodologies including nucleic acid and protein extraction and further analysis by PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Experience in techniques like flow cytometry and microscopy will be considered.

Experience in animal handling is desirable.


The ideal candidate will have excellent record keeping and time management skills.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £26,600 to £32,800 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 23 months.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society.  The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects all employees to share and display these values.  To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

About the Quadram Institute:

The Quadram Institute is a new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute. (https://quadram.ac.uk/).

The closing date for applications will be 13 February 2023

The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.