Research Technician

Ref Number

B02-11226

• Professional Expertise
• Research and Research Support
• Department
• School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
• Location
• London
• Working Pattern
• Part time
• Salary
• £36,433-£42,891
• Contract Type
• Fixed-term
• Working Type
• On site
• Available for Secondment
• No
• Closing Date
• 16-Oct-2026

About us

The Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences. We have an outstanding international reputation and a community of over 500 staff and more than 300 PhD students engaged in cutting edge research and collaboration.

Further information can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences

We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with a background in evo-devo/functional genomics to join the group of Dr. Sean Stankowski. The position is well funded through a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship.

About the role

The Research Technician will contribute to research projects focused on understanding the genomic basis of adaption and speciation, primarily in intertidal snails from the genus Littorina. (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi2982). They will take the lead in implementing protocols developed by the Darwin Tree of Life project (https://www.sanger.ac.uk/programme/tree-of-life/) to extract high molecular weight DNA and prepare long read sequencing libraries (ONT/PacBio), and assist with DNA/RNA extraction and DNA library prep for Illumina sequencing projects. Other tasks may include assistance with snail rearing, general organisation in the lab, and training of staff and students.

Please note, this role is available on a full time (36.5 hours per week) basis for up to 2-years, or part time basis (18.25 - 27.4 hours per week) for 3-years, with possibility of extension.

The researcher will work as part of a team that includes two Research Fellows, and also in collaboration with project partners from the Sanger Institute (Dra. Joana Meier), the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (Dr. Nick Barton), The University of Gothenburg (Dr. Kerstin Johannesson).

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

Interviews will be held in November 2026.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Sean Stankowski at s.stankowski@ucl.ac.uk.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator (fls.hr@ucl.ac.uk) stating the advert reference number in the subject line.

About you

The ideal applicant will have experience with the development and customisation of DNA extraction protocols, QC, and experience with long-read and illumina sequencing library preparation. Experience operating an ONT sequencer and the downstream processing of long and short-read sequence data would be a plus.

What we offer

We will support your professional development to help you achieve your long-term goals. and will provide access to training courses and international and domestic conferences. The position will include time and funds to facilitate training, and opportunities to work with and visit project partners at other research institutions.

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/