Technician

About The Role

Research Technician

This full-time, fixed term Research Technician post is available from 1st October 2026 until 31st March 2028.

The starting salary will be £30,878 (Grade D) depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Research Technician to join an exciting BBSRC-funded research programme investigating immune responses to clinically important bacterial and fungal pathogens using the wax moth Galleria mellonella as an advanced infection model. The post is based within the Department of Biosciences and the Living Systems Institute and will support a multidisciplinary research programme spanning infection biology, molecular genetics, genome engineering and transgenesis.

The successful applicant will provide specialist technical expertise essential to the delivery of the project. Working closely with academic staff, postdoctoral researchers and collaborators, you will maintain wild-type, transgenic and genome-edited Galleria lines, ensuring the consistent supply of healthy insects for experimental research. You will contribute to laboratory operations, undertaking infection biology and molecular biology procedures, assisting with transgenic and genome-editing workflows, and contributing to the generation of high-quality research data. You will support the development of innovative research methodologies and help deliver project objectives within a collaborative and internationally recognised research environment.

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to the activities of the Galleria mellonella Research Centre (GMRC), including training activities, protocol development, workshops and public engagement initiatives.

About You

You will hold a degree, HND, HNC or equivalent qualification in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology or a related discipline, or possess substantial relevant laboratory experience. You will have experience working within a biological research environment and a strong commitment to technical excellence and data quality.

You will have experience in the following areas:

• Galleria mellonella husbandry and colony maintenance
• Infection biology and pathogen challenge experiments
• Molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR
• Flow cytometry-based laboratory procedures
• Maintenance of biological stocks and laboratory model organisms
• Biological containment laboratory working practices
• Research data management and laboratory record keeping

You will be highly organised, attentive to detail and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative and inclusive research team.

What We Can Offer You

• The opportunity to contribute to a major BBSRC-funded programme addressing important challenges in infection biology and antimicrobial resistance research.
• A role within the internationally recognised research environment of the Department of Biosciences and Living Systems Institute.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies supporting molecular biology, infection biology and genomics research.
• Opportunities to develop further specialist expertise in Galleria mellonella research, genome engineering and advanced infection models.
• A supportive and collaborative research culture committed to technical excellence and staff development.
• A comprehensive range of University benefits, including generous annual leave, pension provision and family-friendly policies.
• The chance to live and work in Exeter, a vibrant and historic city surrounded by outstanding natural landscapes.

About The Division

Research Division

The Research Division is a key enabler to the delivery of the University's Strategy 2030, the Research and Impact Strategy, successful REF performances, and generating external research income, by:

• supporting the full research project lifecycle from inception to impact
• offering research infrastructure support
• providing leadership for the Exeter Doctoral College
• delivering joint strategic, policy and planning support to the University and Faculties

The division consists of four service groups: Doctoral College; Research Services; Research Software and Analytics; and Technical Strategy and Operations.

Technical Strategy and Operations is a centralised team of research and teaching technical staff across the university delivering our institutional technical strategy working in specialist areas, leading on technical infrastructure, equipment and facilities. In addition, the group undertakes and support research and teaching and promoting compliance and best practice, in the labs, studios, workshops, and field.

We are proud signatories of the Technician Commitment, working to raise the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of technical careers.

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit-based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to Armed Forces Covenant.

Why our colleagues love working here

• Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
• Generous annual leave (39-41 days including bank holidays)
• Competitive pension contributions
• A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues - see initiatives here
• Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do

Please be advised that due to the minimum salary thresholds imposed by the UKVI, this post will not qualify for university sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have a visa which permits the right to work in the UK. Further details can be found on the Home Office website - If you are an existing Skilled Worker visa holder, we may be able to sponsor and will review the transitional arrangements -

The University of Exeter is a proud supporter of the Technician Commitment, a charter focusing on the visibility, recognition and career development of our technical staff. For further information please see our website.