Senior Research Technician (111019-1125)

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Branko Rihtman (Assistant Professor) at b.rihtman.1@warwick.ac.uk.

Applications are invited for a Senior Research Technician position in the Rihtman Lab at the University of Warwick.

In this role, you will contribute to an exciting BBSRC-funded project using functional metagenomics to discover novel phage-encoded proteins with anti-biofilm activities.

This research targets Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, a major challenge in cystic fibrosis and other chronic infections.

Lab duties will include constructing viral metagenomic libraries from environmental and clinical samples, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extractions, and basic bioinformatic analyses.

All laboratory work will be conducted in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) environment, requiring strict adherence to biosafety protocols and health and safety procedures when working with opportunistic pathogens.

The Senior Research Technician will contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory by overseeing equipment maintenance and supporting required repairs, providing training for new lab members including project students, ordering consumables, and ensuring both chemical disposal and health and safety standards are maintained.

As our laboratory is developing this new research direction, the role is considered dynamic and would suit a candidate who is excited to play both a leading and supporting role in establishing novel methodologies. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive environment, so encourage you to apply even if your past experience does not match exactly. Further, some training on desirable skills will be provided and there is some scope to tailor the position towards candidate strengths.

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

Contract Type

• This role is a part-time, fixed-term contract at 0.5 FTE (18.25 hours per week), funded by a BBSRC Fellowship, and with an expected start date of 01 February 2026 for a duration of 36 months.
• Applications at 0.6 FTE (21.9 hours per week) for a duration for 30 months will also be considered.
• This position is eligible for the Global Talent Visa, however, please note that this is dependent on individual criteria and eligibility.

We are looking for a motivated and engaged applicant with a laboratory-based degree in molecular biology, microbiology, or a closely related field. You will be able to work well independently as well as part of a team, with a proactive attitude towards developing yourself and projects and contributing to research in the laboratory. The ideal applicant should be well organised, collaborative and pay close attention to detail.

Experience with molecular cloning, bacterial culture (particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and biofilm assays would be highly desirable but not essential. The willingness to learn these skills as well as the ability for multitasking and simultaneously working on multiple projects is important.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

For further information about the School of Life Sciences, please see our website.

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.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Expected Start Date: 1st February 2026

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 26 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. Find out more about our flexible working arrangements.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.