Senior Research Technician (112360)

About the Role

A senior technician is required to provide support for the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant RHYTHMS, ‘Rhizosphere Rhythms: Unravelling Diurnal Microbiome Dynamics and Their Role in Plant-Soil Interactions’, within Professor Gary Bending’s research group in the School of Life Sciences. The research explores how plant circadian rhythms influence rhizosphere microbial communities, nitrogen cycling and interactions with bacteriophages.

You will work closely with postdoctoral researchers, students and collaborators to set-up and maintain plant-microbe experiments in controlled environments and the field, undertake microbiological, molecular and environmental analyses, coordinate sampling programmes, and lead the organisation and management of experimental samples and associated data.

You will help establish and maintain plant and soil microcosms, synthetic microbial communities and controlled-environment experiments, as well as support field trials. You will also help organise carefully timed sampling campaigns. Your laboratory work will include microbial culture, sample processing and quantification, extraction and quality assessment of DNA and RNA, PCR/qPCR and preparation of material for downstream sequencing and chemical / metabolite analyses. You may also contribute to measurements of root-zone physico-chemical conditions and nitrogen cycling, and to the organisation and preliminary analysis of microbiome and environmental datasets. You will take a lead role in maintaining and organising samples, experimental metadata and research records

You will join the Bending group/team in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University.

Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to Prof. Gary Bending (gary.bending@warwick.ac.uk)

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

We are seeking to appoint a senior research technician to join Professor Gary Bending’s RHYTHMS research team in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick. Funded by a European Research Council Advanced Grant, the project will investigate how daily rhythms in plants influence the composition and activity of microbes around their roots, and the implications for nutrient cycling and sustainable agriculture.

The successful candidate should have a relevant degree or equivalent knowledge and practical experience, expertise working with microorganisms and a methodical approach to planning experiments and recording results.

You should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Experience of plant growth experiments, environmental sampling, molecular biology, research data management and preparation of health and safety documentation will be advantageous. Training and opportunities to develop new skills will be available.

This is an opportunity to contribute to ambitious, internationally relevant research at the interface of plant biology, microbial ecology and soil science, while developing a broad range of specialist technical and research-management skills.

About the Department

The School of Life Sciences (SLS) is a cohesive, enthusiastic community producing world-class, high-impact bioscience research and teaching within an open, friendly, inclusive and highly collaborative environment.

For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website at:

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics. In your application, you can also include any career breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave, part-time work, secondments) or any periods where you were unable or restricted to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter on the closing date stated.

We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications

Please ensure your CV includes your most recent employment experience along with any additional relevant experience and education history.

Your cover letter should detail your motivation for applying for the role as well as detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.   

The interviews will be held: To Be Confirmed