Job Description

Salary: £29,588

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 21 July 2026

The Role

The Technician post in the laboratory of Dr. Viktor Korolchuk at Newcastle University will support an industrial project in collaboration with Procter & Gamble. You will perform a range of functions, from generating scientific data using standard laboratory techniques, to everyday management of resources and databases. In particular, you will be responsible for culturing keratinocytes, fibroblasts, 3D models, and explant human skin. They will also coordinate the transfer of human tissue from Newcastle NHS Trust hospitals to the laboratory, setting up ex-vivo models using aseptic techniques. As such, the role will involve continuous communication with surgeons and clinicians as well as research staff at the University.

A research experience in the molecular cell biology/biochemistry lab environment is essential. Previous practical knowledge of primary human cell culture and human tissue handling, culture, and analysis, together with strong experimental, analytical and interpersonal skills are also required. A postgraduate degree in biomedical sciences or similar is essential.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact viktor.korolchuk@ncl.ac.uk

This is a full-time, fixed term role available for 12 months.

Appointment is subject to pre-placement checks.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform laboratory experiments using cell and tissue culture
• Liaise with NHS and University staff and transfer human tissue between sites
• Maintain laboratory reagents and equipment
• Source and negotiate with suppliers for a range of items including specialist parts/equipment
• Support purchasing and contract maintenance
• Maintain a safe/compliant working environment
• Assist with the completion and updating of a safety paperwork
• Maintain broad and up-to-date health and safety knowledge providing support/advice to others
• Hold delegated responsibility from the academic/industrial leads for the planning, operation, and supervision of laboratory spaces
• Organize and facilitate progress and management meetings
• Oversee local record keeping, inventory and asset management
• Mentor junior staff
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable work experience in laboratory techniques (cell and tissue culture and maintenance)
• Experience of working with human tissue
• Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures within a laboratory environment
• Excellent team working skills
• Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability
• Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines with a positive and proactive approach to duties and attention to detail
• Contribute to design and specification of research activities
• Ability to adapt to changes in research priorities

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent interpersonal skills to interface with staff
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and precision
• Work in a collaborative and flexible way
• To exhibit University and Faculty values and principles

Qualifications

Essential

• BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent in relevant subject or equivalent experience

Desirable

• Professional registration with an accredited professional body (including HEA) or working towards this on appointment
• Degree in biosciences or related field in desirable section

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29537

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