Laboratory Technician

  • Published:

Join the 2Blades group and contribute to programs developing resistance traits in legume and Solanaceous crops.

We are seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Technician to join the 2Blades Lab at The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) in Norwich (UK). This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to programs developing resistance traits in legume and Solanaceous crops, with the aim of delivering value to commercial partners and smallholder farmers. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and biotechnology and the desire to see research translated into the field.

Role overview:

You will work closely with a multi-disciplinary, international team assisting with high-throughput protoplast assays, DNA isolation, molecular cloning, as well as plant care and biological assays. The role also involves contributing to the day-to-day running of the laboratory. Responsibilities and independence will be tailored to your experience, with opportunities for skill development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, and plasmid DNA isolation.
  • Assist with high-throughput protoplast assays.
  • Support plant care and experimental setup for biological assays.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments and results.
  • Contribute to day-to-day lab activities and general lab maintenance.

Requirements:

Essential

  • A degree (BSc or MSc) in a life science-related field or equivalent experience.
  • Experience in molecular biology techniques such as DNA isolation, PCR, molecular cloning, and enthusiasm for learning new skills.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Commitment to maintaining high standards in record-keeping and lab practices.

Desirable

  • Experience with protoplast assays.
  • Experience with plant care or plant-based experiments.

Additional Essential Requirements:

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and ensure the security of sensitive information where appropriate.
  • Adherence to the organization's core values of trust, accountability, creativity, and excellence.

Salary will be within the UEA Technical Grade 4, minimum £23,581 and will depend on qualifications, knowledge and skills, some applicants may be eligible for a visa, this will be reviewed on an individual basis.

This is initially being offered as a one year contract.

The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) is a world leader in plant and microbial science that is dedicated to making fundamental discoveries in the science of plant-microbe interactions. TSL has expanded its scientific mission not only to continue providing fundamental biological insights into plant-pathogen interactions, but also to deliver novel, genomics-based solutions that will significantly reduce losses from major crop diseases, especially in developing countries.

2Blades is USA based charitable organization that advances solutions to crop losses by merging cutting-edge scientific discovery with delivery in the field, contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, and productive global food supply. 2Blades establishes and manages development programs addressing significant unsolved crop disease problems and delivers outcomes to downstream implementation partners. It conducts these programs in its own laboratories and in collaboration with leading research institutions around the world. For more information please visit www.2Blades.org

We offer 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme and the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge. We are located on an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities. We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and we provide a supportive working environment for all colleagues.

If you wish to discuss this vacancy please contact Kim Wood kim.wood@tsl.ac.uk - *We are closed for some of the time over the Christmas period, so there may be a delay in responding to any queries, full service will resume on 6th January 2025.

Please apply online at TSL.ac.uk by clicking the Apply Now button on this page and submitting a formal application, quoting the reference code below. Applicants should provide a CV, including the names and contact details of two or more referees, and a covering letter of no more than one A4 addressing the selection criteria.

Reference: KW01/2025

Closing date: 26th January 2025