Pharmacy

We are seeking a Senior Technician to join a project at the University of Nottingham, working in partnership with TherageniX Ltd. The project aim is to develop an advanced therapeutic using genetic augmentation for enhanced bone repair using clinical samples. The role holder will be involved in supporting research staff in the design, build and testing pivotal gene delivery, cell differentiation and hydrogel scaffold-based systems. The successful candidate will join highly motivated and multidisciplinary research teams across the School of Pharmacy; and in collaboration with spin-out TherageniX and East midlands trauma centre and the BRC Musculoskeletal theme of the Nottingham NIHR.

The aim of this post will be to aid the development of a gene delivery-focused augmentation strategy for orthopaedic regenerative medicine. We have recently designed and implemented an efficient gene delivery system and have applied this to induce bone differentiation in the context of an advanced hydrogel-based system for tissue engineering and in animal models. Here, we aim to build on these successes by further enhancing the methodology to apply to clinical samples and medical devices as the next stage of translation. The role holder will provide high-quality, specialist technical support to a School/Unit within the Faculty of Science, planning and overseeing the day-to-day running of a specific work area, to allocate resources, and to provide supervision/training in the use of equipment/systems and techniques to staff/students.  The role holder will be responsible for the upkeep of a designated work area, as well as maintenance of equipment/systems. The role holder may manage a small team of technicians/staff as part of their duties. 

Candidates should have, or be close to completion of an HNC, honours degree or have considerable experience in a discipline relevant to cell biology and/or tissue engineering. Past experience of bone cell culture, hydrogel systems and cell differentiation assays and preferably also gene delivery systems is essential. A knowledge of advanced analysis of differentiation (Immunolabelling, gene expression analyses) would be desirable. The candidate will be required to undertake activities to support research, including day to day management tissue, reagents, constructs and technical aspects of this research project, requiring a high degree of competence and organisational skills. An aptitude for critical thinking and a flexible approach to collaborative research is vital.

This position is offered on a fixed term contract until 30 September 2025. Hours of work are part time (18 hours per week).

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

We pride ourselves on the collegial and supportive culture created by our staff. We are dedicated to creating an environment which enables both our staff to thrive and achieve their potential. Our commitment to Equality and Diversity has been recognised in the awarding of an Athena SWAN Silver Award.

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr James Dixon (james.dixon@nottingham.ac.uk) . Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.