Research Support Technician
- University of Leeds
- United Kingdom, ENG
- Jun 3, 2026
Job Description:
Research Support Technician
Grade 5 (£29,588 – £33,002 p.a. depending on experience).
Are you enthusiastic, well organised and versatile, with a strong motivation to support alternative protein processing research? Do you have experience in working in a laboratory environment and want to use your skills and experience to support our busy research laboratories and help support our academic staff and industrial partners?
We are looking for a Research Support Technician to join our international and interdisciplinary team developing sustainable microbial protein from agri-food waste-streams. We have recently been awarded £2M from the Bezos Earth Fund as part of their AI for Nature and Climate Grand Challenge to fund our work in this area.
You will be based on campus 5 days per week, to support the School’s expanding research portfolio in NAPIC activities across a range of laboratories at all School sites and collect data on processing of alternative proteins such as those derived from plants, algae, insects, fungi, bacteria etc. You will carry out analysis of research samples using a range of biological, chemical and physical protocols. You will also provide support and expertise to student research projects as well as industry-funded projects at all levels including sample collection, preparation and analysis using a variety of techniques both wet chemical and instrumental. You will also be responsible for maintaining equipment relevant to the research and project activities including servicing and procurement and maintaining stocks of chemicals and consumables. In addition, you will produce standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, COSHH forms and other documentation required by research projects aims.
You will have experience of working within a laboratory environment, alongside a BSc or BTEC Higher or equivalent in a relevant subject. You will also have good organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team. Experience of using processing equipment (e.g. fermenters, dryers and experience in working with food samples (meat analogues, protein dispersions etc.) would be desirable.
You may be required to work weekends to support Open Days.
Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role is not suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants. Information on other visa options is available at: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
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 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.
And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Professor Nik Watson
Email: [email protected]
Closing Date: 16 Jun 2026
Section: Technical Support
Salary: £29,588 to £33,002 p.a.
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Job Description:
Research Support Technician
Grade 5 (£29,588 – £33,002 p.a. depending on experience).
Are you enthusiastic, well organised and versatile, with a strong motivation to support alternative protein processing research? Do you have experience in working in a laboratory environment and want to use your skills and experience to support our busy research laboratories and help support our academic staff and industrial partners?
We are looking for a Research Support Technician to join our international and interdisciplinary team developing sustainable microbial protein from agri-food waste-streams. We have recently been awarded £2M from the Bezos Earth Fund as part of their AI for Nature and Climate Grand Challenge to fund our work in this area.
You will be based on campus 5 days per week, to support the School’s expanding research portfolio in NAPIC activities across a range of laboratories at all School sites and collect data on processing of alternative proteins such as those derived from plants, algae, insects, fungi, bacteria etc. You will carry out analysis of research samples using a range of biological, chemical and physical protocols. You will also provide support and expertise to student research projects as well as industry-funded projects at all levels including sample collection, preparation and analysis using a variety of techniques both wet chemical and instrumental. You will also be responsible for maintaining equipment relevant to the research and project activities including servicing and procurement and maintaining stocks of chemicals and consumables. In addition, you will produce standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, COSHH forms and other documentation required by research projects aims.
You will have experience of working within a laboratory environment, alongside a BSc or BTEC Higher or equivalent in a relevant subject. You will also have good organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team. Experience of using processing equipment (e.g. fermenters, dryers and experience in working with food samples (meat analogues, protein dispersions etc.) would be desirable.
You may be required to work weekends to support Open Days.
Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role is not suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants. Information on other visa options is available at: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
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 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.
And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Professor Nik Watson
Email: [email protected]
Closing Date: 16 Jun 2026
Section: Technical Support
Salary: £29,588 to £33,002 p.a.
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