Specialist Technician (Research) at University of Bristol

The role

This is two-year grade G research technician post to support an externally funded project investigating glomerular damage in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The glomerulus is the filtering unit of the kidney and in diabetes, the glomerulus is damaged, causing an increase in permeability of the glomerulus and leakage of protein into the urine. This can eventually lead to kidney failure. In Bristol we have shown the endothelial glycocalyx (a surface covering on all blood vessels) is damaged in diabetes and contributes to the increased protein leak. Protection of the endothelial glycocalyx has potential as a treatment to reduce protein leak and reduce progression to kidney failure.

In this project we will be investigating further how glycocalyx is damaged during the development of DKD and we will be testing a number of drugs to see if they can protect the endothelial glycocalyx and reduce glomerular permeability in DKD. This work will give us vital information about how and when to protect the glycocalyx in DKD for maximum potential benefit.

What will you be doing?

The post-holder (research technician) will be working closely with, and supervised by, an experienced senior research associate (SRA) working on the same project. The project will use rodent models of diabetes and tissue sections from human kidney biopsies. We have developed an isolated glomerulus permeability assay which will be used to tests effects of different drugs on glomerular permeability and glycocalyx protection. The post-holder will be trained to assist the SRA in conducting these experiments and independently perform various required analyses.

These will include immunofluorescence staining, confocal imaging and image analysis of isolated glomeruli and tissue sections, ELISAs, enzyme activity assays, GAG assays and qPCR.

You should apply if

The applicant must have a biomedical background and a desire to join a large and friendly research group. A degree in a relevant discipline is desirable. Experience in cardiovascular or renal research is desirable. The applicant should have excellent basic laboratory skills (pipetting, solution preparations, ability to follow protocols, etc). The ideal applicant will have experience working with laboratory animal models. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential. The applicant should have critical thinking skills and have excellent organisational skills.
Depending on the appointee’s career plans and preferences, there will be opportunities for developing research and academic skills and alongside development of technical skills.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with fixed funding until 04/03/2026

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on 22/02/2024

For informal queries please contact:

Dr Mike Crompton, Senior Research Associate, m.crompton@bristol.ac.uk
Prof Simon Satchell, s.c.satchell@bristol.ac.uk

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The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.