Laboratory Technician - 2Blades Group

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A Laboratory Technician position is available to join the 2Blades Group at The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich

2Blades Group, The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), Norwich, UK

The 2Blades Group at The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) in Norwich, UK is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Technician to join our team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to programs developing resistance traits in soybean, with the aim of delivering value to both commercial partners and smallholder farmers. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and biotechnology, and a strong desire to see research translated into real-world applications.

Role Overview

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary, international team, assisting with high-throughput protoplast assays, DNA isolation, molecular cloning, as well as plant care and biological assays. Responsibilities and levels of independence will be tailored to your experience, with opportunities for ongoing skill development.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, and plasmid DNA isolation.
  • Conduct high-throughput protoplast assays.
  • Perform pathogen assays on plants.
  • Support plant care and experimental setup for biological assays.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments and results.
  • Contribute to general lab maintenance.

Essential Requirements

  • A degree (BSc or MSc) in a life science–related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Experience with plant-based experiments and plant care.
  • Experience in molecular biology techniques such as DNA isolation, PCR, and molecular cloning, with enthusiasm for learning new skills.
  • Strong organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Commitment to maintaining high standards in record-keeping and laboratory practices.

Desirable

  • Experience with protoplast assays.

Additional Essential Requirements

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and ensure the security of sensitive information where appropriate.
  • Adherence to the organisation’s core values of trust, accountability, creativity, and excellence.

Appointment Details

Salary will be within the UEA Technical Grade 3/Grade 4, between £23,414 and £25,733, and will depend on qualifications, knowledge and skills, some applicants may be eligible for a visa, this will be reviewed on an individual basis.

This is initially being offered as a one year contract.

About The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL)

The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) is a world leader in plant and microbial science that is dedicated to making fundamental discoveries in the science of plant-microbe interactions. TSL has expanded its scientific mission not only to continue providing fundamental biological insights into plant-pathogen interactions, but also to deliver novel, genomics-based solutions that will significantly reduce losses from major crop diseases, especially in developing countries.

About 2Blades

2Blades is USA based charitable organization that advances solutions to crop losses by merging cutting-edge scientific discovery with delivery in the field, contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, and productive global food supply. 2Blades establishes and manages development programs addressing significant unsolved crop disease problems and delivers outcomes to downstream implementation partners. It conducts these programs in its own laboratories and in collaboration with leading research institutions around the world. For more information please visit www.2Blades.org

We offer 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme and the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge. We are located on an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities. We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and we provide a supportive working environment for all colleagues.

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply' button on this page quoting the reference code below.
Applicants should provide a CV, including the names and contact details of two or more referees, and a covering letter of no more than one A4 addressing the selection criteria.

If you wish to discuss this vacancy please contact Kim Wood kim.wood@tsl.ac.uk

Reference: KW01/2026

Closing date: 15th March 2026