Insectary Assistant Technician

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community.  We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion.  It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  For more information on our EDI strategy and values click here      

The Role and Department      

You will join the InsectNeuroLab in the Department of Biosciences, Durham University ) that uses mosquitoes and other insects to study sensory neuroscience and sensory ecology. You will be responsible for the maintenance on mosquito and fly stocks and the insectary space. You will also contribute to ongoing experimental work. The role requires experience in research work, ideally with insects, knowledge of relevant Health and Safety regulations and be able to work on set tasks as part of a team. The role involves a diverse array of activities (e.g. maintaining mosquito colonies, maintaining insectary clean and organised, assisting in setting up mosquito crosses, assisting in the experimental work of lab members, liaising with and coordinating work with lab members, ensuring there is sufficient stock of necessary laboratory supplies, participation in lab meetings and other meetings/activities with the team, participation in research experiments, etc).

This is a part-time role (0.4FTE), open-ended from the 03/11/25.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.    

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

•    You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days or the pro rata amount if part time. 

•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. 

•    You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.  

•    Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16. 

•   We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.   

•    We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.  

•    Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).   

•    If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.  

•    We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.   

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. 

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:

Qualifications/Experience

1.     Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.

2.     Science qualification (Biology, Animal Science, Zoology, Psychology, Chemistry, Botany or equivalent) and an understanding of how academic research works.

3.     Experience of working in a technical environment setting up resources, tools and equipment to meet teaching and research outputs or having relevant qualifications for the role. 

4.     Experience of working in a team.

5.     Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

6.     Good spoken and written communication skills.

7.     Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking systems.

8.     Committed to training/continuing professional development.

9.     Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.

10.  Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.

11.  Patience and attention to details

12.  Ability to perform set tasks to completion

13.  Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team

14.  A "can do" attitude and a willingness to expand their knowledge

15.  Ability to maintain working environment by monitoring usage and re-ordering consumables

16.  An understanding of the needs to work within Health and Safety Policies, and an understanding of the essentials of good laboratory practice

Desirable Criteria

17. Undergraduate or higher science degree

18. Experience of working in a research lab

19. Interest in insects and/or neuroscience

20. Knowledge of laboratory-based biological techniques

21. Desire to learn and to use this position as a stepping stone for future science-based career

How to Apply   

We prefer to receive applications online.  When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates

Who to contact for more information         

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Dr Olena Riabinina ) would be happy to speak to you.    

Typical Role Requirements   

Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.

Main Responsibilities

· Work under the direction of the InsectNeuroLab Group Head (Dr Riabinina) on set tasks consistent with the grade, and work as a member of a supervised team.

· Maintain colonies of mosquitoes, according to provided instructions

· Ensure the insectary space is clean and well-organised

· Maintain all laboratory stock materials, including general laboratory consumables

· Set up genetic crosses of mosquitoes

· Extract DNA and genotype mosquitoes and other insects

· Transfer Drosophila stocks into new media

· Check the availability of basic lab supplies and make a list of items that need to be ordered, and order them

· Communicate with team members to ensure the availability of insects for experiments and continuity of line maintenance

· Recognise and communicate common problems in a timely manner, and seek solutions

Service Delivery

· Provide an excellent and timely service to our your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.

· Log, record and pass on information for use by others.

· Carry out some tasks that may require specialist skills.

· Follow established procedures when carrying out your role, varying when necessary or referring to more senior colleagues.

· Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.

· When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards.

· Carry out specified tasks to ensure that a research or teaching facility is safe to use.

· Provide help sheets and guidance notes to staff relating to various processes or techniques for experimental purposes.

Teamwork/Liaison

· Help to move, set-up and maintain any facilities, equipment or tools.

· Help team members operate a range of standard tools and equipment.

· Help team members to construct and/or repair mechanical, electrical, electronic and digital equipment and tools under the supervision of more experienced colleagues.

· Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service.

· Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives.

· Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.

· Help team members carry out and record annual maintenance checks and update risk assessments.

· Help carry out stock and inventory checks.

Communication/Personal

· Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values.

· Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.

· Respond to routine queries from suppliers, contractors, contacts, professional bodies where necessary.

· Any other reasonable duties.

In this role the post holder

· Must be able to receive, understand and convey information in a clear and accurate manner.

· Will participate as part of a team in the group meetings and to conduct lab-based experiments

· Will plan, prioritise and organise own work or resources for the tasks they are allocated.

· Will follow predetermined procedures and techniques, working accurately to complete specified tasks. Will identify areas that could be made more efficient as knowledge of the procedures/techniques develop.

· Will learn new procedures and techniques from other staff and convey with explanation such techniques to others in the team or to students.

· Must have knowledge of the requirements for working in a safe and healthy environment and be able to act responsibly if an accident occurs.

· Any decisions will generally be made through consultation but scope for independent decisions is included.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.