Senior Research Technician in Animal Models of Spinal Cord Injuries at University of Leeds

Contract type: Fixed Term (up to 5 years with a maximum end date of 31^st July 2029)

Are you an experienced technician looking for a challenge?  Do you have a background in in vivo rodent models of spinal cord injuries?  Do you have experience in electrophysiology and urodynamics? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive Universities?

We are looking for an experienced research technician to join the newly established Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) Research Hub at the University of Leeds. The technician will be part of a large team within the Hub. The Hub aims to understand pathophysiological mechanisms associated with SCI and potential interventions for repair and functional recovery. Specifically, the Senior Research Technician will focus on in vivo and ex vivo rodent models of SCI. This will include surgeries, care, behavioural testing, functional testing, histology, etc. The technician will work closely with the Chair of the Hub, Prof Ichiyama, and support others on the team developing various projects. Together we will develop pre-clinical applications that can be swiftly translated clinical to aim people lliving with SCI achieve a better quality of life and potentially a cure to paralysis.

You must have a degree in physiology, neuroscience or a closely allied discipline; and experience in in vivo rodent models of SCI. You should also be willing to learn new techniques and models, as the projects within the Hub will be of a diverse nature.

What we offer in return:

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year! · Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary · Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was awarded a Silver award in 2020.  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information. 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Ronaldo Ichiyama, Chair of Spinal Cord Injuries Research Hub at Leeds

Email: r.m.ichiyama@leeds.ac.uk 

Dr Sarah Astill , co-Chair of Spinal Cord Injuries Research Hub at Leeds 

Email: s.l.astill@leeds.ac.uk 

Dr Jessica Kwok, co-Chair of Spinal Cord Injuries Research Hub at Leeds 

Email: j.kwok@leeds.ac.uk