Are you an experienced technician looking for a challenge?  Do you have a background in gene expression and RNA biology?  Do you have experience in using model organisms? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive Universities? 

We are looking for an experienced research technician to join the Aspden and Davies groups at the University of Leeds. The technician will be part of a large team (£5.6M, funded by a BBSRC Strategic Longer and Larger grant) including two other technicians. The team aims to unravel the ‘ribosome code’, rules that explain how compositionally disecting ribosomes enable translation of specific sets of mRNA. Specifically, the Senior Research Technician will focus on generating tagged ribosome populations and disrupting gene function in Arabidopsis thaliana and Drosophila melanogaster. This will include cloning, designing transgenics, CRISPR, RNAi, phenotypic assessment and purification of ribosomes. The technician will work closely with others of the team who will characterise the structure and function of these ribosome populations. Together we will be able to dissect conserved mechanisms of ribosome specialisation across eukaryotes, allowing us to unravel the ‘ribosome code’. 

You must have a degree in biochemistry, biological sciences, genetics, biology or a closely allied discipline; and experience in either Arabidopsis thaliana or Drosophila melanogaster. You should also be willing to learn how to use the other model organism as the project will involve the use of both. 

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was awarded a Silver award in 2020.  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information. 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Julie Aspden, Director of RiboCode BBSRC sLoLa

Email: [email protected] 

Prof Brendan Davies, co-PI of RiboCode BBSRC sLoLa

Email: [email protected]