Faculty of Science
School of Biological Sciences
Laboratory Technician
Ref: TC930
Salary on appointment will be £26,707 per annum, with an annual increment up to £30,378 per annum.
Are you a reliable and enthusiastic biologist keen to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment? Do you have extensive molecular and microbiology skills with meticulous attention to detail? An exciting opportunity is available to join the Davidson Lab at the School of Biological Sciences as a Laboratory Technician.
UEA has some of the most innovative and highly regarded centres for research in the UK. Our
research explores how gut microbiome-host interactions shape wildlife biology,
with of focus on birds. You will characterise gut microbiomes through microbial culturing, DNA extraction and whole-genome sequencing.
As a Laboratory Technician you will be associated with a NERC Pushing
the Frontiers grant to PI Dr Gabrielle Davidson, and Co-I Professor
Lindsay Hall (University of Birmingham; Quadram Institute). In this
role, you will be based at UEA and perform some laboratory work at the Quadram Institute. You
will optimise culturing protocols, isolate microbial strains, perform in vitro assays, and preserve microbial strains for
probiotic development. You will manage sample collections and databases, keep detailed laboratory notes, and report results to the PI and colleagues. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in departmental seminars and activities in a highly collegiate environment.
You will have:
- Experience in microbiology and handling bacterial cultures.
- Experience with in vitro assays, phenotypic and biochemical testing.
- Experience in DNA extraction and preparing samples for next generation sequencing.
- Knowledge of unit conversion and dilutions.
- Meticulous aseptic technique.
You must be able to meet the essential criteria within the person specification. Experience managing large databases and biobanks, basic R skills, experience with probiotics and additional relevant laboratory skills would be advantageous.
This on-site full-time post is available from 1 February 2026 for 30 months.
UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from those who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applicants with the protected characteristic of disability, which is currently underrepresented in this type of role within the division. Appointment will be made on merit and all applicants will be scored against the same criteria.
Benefits include:
- 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days (pro rata for part-time).
- Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
- Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
- Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
- Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
- The successful applicant will join the Centre for Microbial Interactions which is one of the world's largest groupings of microbiology expertise spanning a broad remit of active research areas. You will benefit from a dynamic and diverse research environment at Norwich Research Park exploring microbial interactions across a wide range of scales and disciplines. Our established infrastructure and collaborative culture provide an excellent platform to drive high-quality research and innovation, forge global partnerships, and train the next generation of microbiologists.
Closing date: 31 October 2025
The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.