Research Technician at University of Birmingham

From 1 November 2023 the salary range will increase to £25,866 to £27,518, with potential progression once in post to £30,820

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2024

Closes: 31st August 2023

Role Summary

This Research Technician role will be based within the Healthcare Technologies Institute working in collaboration with the Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing. The Healthcare Technologies Institute brings together leading experts from a variety of disciplines across the University of Birmingham, including chemical engineering, biomedical science, computer science, applied mathematics, chemistry and physics. Researchers across campus are working collaboratively to speed up the translation of new discoveries into health applications.

The objectives of this project are to manufacture three different formulations of a novel fluid-gel eyedrop for a pre-clinical study and two early phase clinical trials:

1. Fluid-gel emulsion eye drop. This project is funded by the Sight-Research UK. The postholder will manufacture a series of hydrophobic therapeutic agents in a novel thixotropic fluid-gel emulsion biomaterial to increase retention time of the active on the surface of the eye. Under the supervision of a postdoctoral research fellow, the postholder will identify the most ideal formulation for testing in a mouse model of a progressive scarring eye disease (ocular pemphigoid). A range of molecular approaches will be employed to analyse the fibrotic, scarring, and inflammatory pathology post intervention, to select the optimal formulation to scale up to a clinical trial.
2. Fluid-gel as resorbable dressings. Funded by the NIHR intervention for intervention scheme, clinical batches of three formulations (fluid-gel, serum-gel, allogeneic serum) will be manufactured within the Advanced Therapy Facility (ATF). The novel formulations will be tested for symptom relief for complex painful ocular surface diseases as part of an early phase clinical trial.
3. Fluid-gel drug delivery for corneal scarring. Part of the MRC DPFS clinical work package, decorin anti-scarring molecule will be manufactured as a fluid-gel eye drop for the prevention of corneal scarring in patients presenting to the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre emergency department.

The successful applicant will provide technical support for research activities as required, utilising their technical skills and a wide range of techniques. They will also be expected to ensure that the working area is safe, and support others in following health and safety instructions.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English. 
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.

Informal enquires can be made to Jacqueline Deans, email: j.k.deans@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button:

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working