Job Description

VACANCY: Senior Lab Support Technician. Support the development of a new plant immunity platform within TSL Ventures that explores RNAi-based disease resistance. Apply online, deadline 29 Oct 2025.

Support the development of a new plant immunity platform within TSL-Ventures that explores RNAi-based disease resistance.

Plant Sciences / Research Support
Contract Type: Full-Time (1 year in the first instance with a possibility to extend, subject to TSL-Ventures funding)

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Senior Lab Support Technician to support the development of a new plant immunity platform within TSL-Ventures that explores RNAi-based disease resistance. The person will primarily work in the Ma group with her research team to test constructs for in planta expression and resistance against a range of pests and pathogens.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment on a newly invented technology. The successful candidate will work closely with both the TSL-Ventures group and the Ma research team and contribute to the formation of a new spinout. This post may transition to one of the spinout companies first employees.

The successful candidate will assist with molecular biology work to generate transgenic plants expressing specific constructs, assess small RNA levels, and conduct pathogen infection assays. Experience in molecular cloning will be required. Basic horticultural tasks such as growing, harvesting, and maintaining plant material will be necessary.

Main Duties

• Carry out research using molecular biology, biochemistry, and plant pathology approaches.
• Provide regular support with experimental setups, and data collection.
• Support data package formation for patent submission.
• Assist in generating experimental data to strengthen patent application
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation in the laboratory environment.
• Support general lab duties including waste management and restocking consumables.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and biosecurity procedures.
• Generate comprehensive and well-documented reports that capture both methodology and outcomes for future reference and reuse.

We are looking for

• Good understanding of plant molecular biology techniques, with the minimum qualification of a degree in a relevant subject.
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately and maintain attention to details.
• A flexible and reliable team player with a proactive approach to work.
• Interest in technology transfer and spinout formation.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• IT literacy, including basic data entry and familiarity with MS Office.
• Prior experience in a lab, academic or commercial.

Contract Type: Full-Time (1 year in the first instance with a possibility to extend, subject to TSL-Ventures funding)

Salary: Grade 6 SP 22 ~£31,236

Closing Date: 29/10/2025 please apply early, we will be shortlisting as applicant apply.

Additional Information

This role offers hands-on experience in a world-leading research institutions with highly supportive research setting and state-of-the-art facility. There are ample opportunities and training to develop both technical and practical skills and to support career development.

For more information visit: Support for Staff

How to Apply

To apply, click ‘Apply Now’ on this page and submit:

• Your CV
• Cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience

Please quote the reference code TSLV 01-2025 in your application.

For informal enquiries, contact Sasha Eremina (sasha.eremina@tsl.ac.uk)

Closing Date: 29/10/2025 please apply early, we will be shortlisting as applicant apply.