Insect Colony Manager/Technician

About the role

This role supports research into circadian rhythms in insects under the supervision of Professors Charalambos Kyriacou and Ezio Rosato. You will maintain Drosophila melanogaster and black soldier fly colonies, prepare reagents and media, and contribute to molecular, behavioural and bioinformatic experiments. You will also support general laboratory operations, ensure documentation and equipment are maintained, and take part in a wider UKRI-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie network.

You will record and present experimental data, contribute to laboratory meetings, and assist in the supervision of MSc, undergraduate and Erasmus+ students.

About you

You will have technical or scientific education to ONC or NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent), knowledge of laboratory safety, and experience working with DNA and proteins. You will be confident using standard computer software, able to communicate clearly, and capable of working independently while contributing effectively to a team. Experience with Drosophila, microscopy and laboratory sustainability under the LEAF framework would be advantageous.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Prof Charalambos P Kyriacou on

Applications for job share will be considered.

As part of the University's ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people's lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you'll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We're committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Full-time, part-time (0.571FTE, 20 hours per week) or job share considered, fixed term contract for 12 months