Download department of biology

Biomedical Tissue Research Group
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (Part Time Post) (Ref: )
A research technician is required to assist in the work of Dr Paul Genever and the Biomedical
Tissue Research Group which will support a fundamental and applied research project aimed at
determining the role of a new signalling pathway in the function of bone cells. This post will involve
the use of a wide range of molecular and cellular techniques for which training will be given. In
addition, the role will involve a range of housekeeping duties for Dr Genever’s group.
You should have a minimum of a HNC or HND in biological science and 1-2 years laboratory
experience. Familiarity with molecular biology techniques would be an advantage.
Hours of work are a minimum of 15 hours per week. Salary: £13,953 per annum on grade C
(reduced pro rata).
Application forms and further details may be obtained from the Personnel Office, University of
York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 4th May.
Biomedical Tissue Research Group
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
Research Technician (Ref:)
Further Information for Applicants
The advertised position is for a Grade C Technician in the Biomedical Tissue Research Group, Department
of Biology.
The advertised position is for a research technician to provide technical support to Dr Paul Genever,
Lecturer in Stem Cell Biology and head of the Biomedical Tissue Research Group. The successful
applicant will assist in a research program aimed at determining the role of Wnt proteins in osteoclast
differentiation and activity.
The work will involve tissue culture of primary bone cells and research activities to determine the role of Wnt
signalling using molecular, genetic and biochemical methods.
Specific duties will involve:
1)
The isolation and culture of primary bone cells.
2)
Characterisation of effects of Wnt signalling on osteoclast formation and bone resorption by RT-PCR,
Western blotting, flow cytometry, immunocytochemical and image analysis techniques.
3)
Co-coordinating the collection of human peripheral blood samples
4)
Assisting with the general running of the laboratory, maintaining stocks of consumables and chemicals
and ordering equipment.
5)
Preparing solutions, including buffers and growth media, disposal of autoclave waste and sterilizing
glassware.
6)
Carrying out data analysis and maintaining detailed laboratory notes and records.
Previous experience of cell and molecular techniques would be an advantage although full training will be
given.
The post will report to the Dr Paul G Genever, head of the Biomedical Tissue Research Group.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
HNC/HND in a biological Science or
equivalent qualification
Skills/abilities/competencies Ability to perform practical tasks to a
consistently high standard
Desirable
BSc in a biological Science or
equivalent qualification
Ability to understand and interpret
scientific literature and data
Ability to organise own work
Ability to work as part of a team as well
as use own initiative
Evidence of successful organisation of
practical tasks
Conscientious attention to detail
Effective time management and multitasking
Evidence of reliability
Good written and oral communication
skills
Experience
Essential
Experience in a science laboratory
environment
Desirable
Practical experience in cellular and
molecular biology
Experience in preparing and handling
biological materials
Experience of mammalian cell
culture
Experience of keeping concise and
accurate laboratory records
Personal Attributes
Willing to adapt to the varied
demands of a research group
Flexibility in working hours
The Biomedical Tissue Research Group
The Biomedical Tissue Research Group is part of the Biology Department at the University of York. Our
work is focused on identifying cellular and molecular pathways that regulate differentiated tissue function,
primarily in skeletal and haematopoietic systems (bone, cartilage, marrow and blood). This requires an
understanding of the fundamental signalling mechanisms that determine stem cell fate, tissue remodelling,
repair and regeneration and how to apply this knowledge to treat human disease conditions.
The Biomedical Tissue Research Group is located in the Biology Department of the University of York, and
is located in new purpose-built laboratories. Research facilities include a fully equipped large general cell
and molecular laboratory area and dedicated tissue culture facilities, histology laboratory and microscopy
suite. Research in the Group is supported by the exceptional resources provided by the JIF-funded
Technology Facility (TF) (see below).
The University of York and the Department of Biology
The University of York is in the foremost group of universities in the UK, with an outstanding record of
teaching, research and training across the scientific disciplines. The campus adjoins the village of
Heslington, within a mile of the historic walled city of York. In the 2001 RAE, the University was ranked 6th
nationally (Financial Times/Times/Guardian ranking). On HEFCE research efficiency criteria, it is the most
research-efficient university in the UK. It dominates the top of the national teaching league tables with
Cambridge.
Biology was a 5-ranked Department in the RAE of both 1996 and 2001 and was awarded 24/24 in Subject
Review in 2000. It was ranked first in the 2002 Guardian Biology table. It comprises a large and successful
group of scientists with an annual research income in the region of £9M, gained by around 50 full-time
academic staff with expertise in all fields from ecology and whole organism studies through cell biology to
molecular biology and biochemistry. The Department is strongly collaborative and there are excellent
opportunities to build research links. The Biomedical Tissue Research Group adds to considerable existing
strengths in departmental research, including infection and immunity, microbial pathogenesis, cancer
biology, tissue engineering and stem cell biology (see http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/biol/research/rmenu.htm)
The Department has recently benefited from a £25M redevelopment including extensive new laboratory
space (opened July 2002) and refurbishment of existing laboratories. A key feature of this development is
the 2000m2 Technology Facility housing state-of-the-art equipment in a range of key biological
technologies, with dedicated laboratory managers and technicians providing full support for these facilities.
These laboratories comprise:






Imaging and Cytometry
Analytical Biochemistry
Nucleic Acid
Protein Production
Molecular Interactions
Bioinformatics
An essential aim of the Technology Facility is to provide an environment that encourages collaborative
programmes between research groups. The Director of the Facility, Dr John Pillmoor, together with the
senior Experimental Officers leading each specialised laboratory, plays a central role in: (1) promoting wider
awareness and potential applications of existing techniques, to academics, postdoctoral researchers and
postgraduates within the Department; and (2) developing new technologies using the skills-base and
facilities available to them.
Full details of the Technology Facility can be found at
http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/biol/tf/index.htm.
The City of York
The University of York occupies an attractive campus environment 2 km from the city centre. The University
comprises a relatively small number of high-quality departments, and enjoys an excellent reputation in both
teaching and research (which, regardless of index used, places York among the top 10 universities in the
UK). The historic City of York enjoys excellent rail links with the rest of the UK: the high-speed East Coast
line provides a regular service which enables access to London within 2hr and to Edinburgh within 2 hr 15
min.
Salary
Salaries will be pro rata £13,953 p.a. on Grade C of the salary scale for Technical staff.
Asylum & Immigration Act (1996)
In accordance with the Asylum & Immigration Act (1996), if you are successful in your application for this
post you will be required to provide, before you start work at the University, appropriate documentation to
evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the UK. If you are offered this post further details
about this requirement will be enclosed with the formal written offer of employment.
How to Apply
The closing date for applications is 4th May 2005. Completed application forms should be returned to the
Personnel & Staff Development Office, University of York, Heslington, YORK YO10 5DD.
It is anticipated that interviews for the posts will be held as soon as possible and certainly no later than two
months after the closing date for applications. If you have not been invited for interview within that time
scale, we should like to thank you for the interest you have shown in working for the University, but you
should assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be sent details of time and venue as soon as possible.
The University regrets that it is unable to give feedback to candidates who are not short-listed for interview.
For some posts we can receive more than one hundred applications and the reason why an applicant is not
short-listed is often because there were a large number of applicants, rather than because of any deficiency
in the individual’s application. Short-listed applicants may seek feedback, although again the reason why
candidates are unsuccessful is rarely because of any failing on their part that may be dealt with by remedial
action, but rather that there was an outstanding individual amongst the excellent candidates invited for
interview.
As soon as reasonable practicable after the interviews have taken place the Personnel and Staff
Development Office will write to the successful applicant offering him/her the post. Upon receipt of formal
written acceptance of the post we will write to notify unsuccessful candidates. Whilst we try to do this in as
effective and efficient manner as possible, sometimes the process can take rather longer than is ideal
because of the need to recall candidates for a second interview and reconvene interview panels and/or due
to routine disruptions caused by leave and other absences. We apologise for any delay and inconvenience
caused in these circumstances.
Should you have any queries regarding your application, please do not hesitate to contact the Personnel &
Staff Development Office (tel: 01904-434835).
*******
With the compliments of the Personnel & Staff Development Office
Ref:
Date: