Job Specifications
About The Role
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Branko Rihtman (Assistant Professor) at b.rihtman.1@warwick.ac.uk.
Applications are invited for a Senior Research Technician position in the Rihtman Lab at the University of Warwick.
In this role, you will contribute to an exciting BBSRC-funded project using functional metagenomics to discover novel phage-encoded proteins with anti-biofilm activities.
This research targets Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, a major challenge in cystic fibrosis and other chronic infections.
Lab duties will include constructing viral metagenomic libraries from environmental and clinical samples, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extractions, and basic bioinformatic analyses.
All laboratory work will be conducted in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) environment, requiring strict adherence to biosafety protocols and health and safety procedures when working with opportunistic pathogens.
The Senior Research Technician will contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory by overseeing equipment maintenance and supporting required repairs, providing training for new lab members including project students, ordering consumables, and ensuring both chemical disposal and health and safety standards are maintained.
As our laboratory is developing this new research direction, the role is considered dynamic and would suit a candidate who is excited to play both a leading and supporting role in establishing novel methodologies. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive environment, so encourage you to apply even if your past experience does not match exactly. Further, some training on desirable skills will be provided and there is some scope to tailor the position towards candidate strengths.
We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.
Contract Type
This role is a part-time, fixed-term contract at 0.5 FTE (18.25 hours per week), funded by a BBSRC Fellowship, and with an expected start date of 01 February 2026 for a duration of 36 months.
Applications at 0.6 FTE (21.9 hours per week) for a duration for 30 months will also be considered.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and engaged applicant with a laboratory-based degree in molecular biology, microbiology, or a closely related field. You will be able to work well independently as well as part of a team, with a proactive attitude towards developing yourself and projects and contributing to research in the laboratory. The ideal applicant should be well organised, collaborative and pay close attention to detail.
Experience with molecular cloning, bacterial culture (particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and biofilm assays would be highly desirable but not essential. The willingness to learn these skills as well as the ability for multitasking and simultaneously working on multiple projects is important.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
About The Department
For further information about the School of Life Sciences, please see our website.
We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award.
We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.
About The University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025
Research Excellence Framework 2021
How to Apply
CLOSING DEADLINE: Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at 11:55pm (UK Time)
To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.
Your CV Should Include
Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).
Your Cover Letter Should Explain
Your motivations for applying to the role.
Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).
All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.
For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Expected Start Date: 1st February 2026
Please note application forms must be
About the Company
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