Research Technical Professional retraining and reskilling opportunity with a Daphne Jackson RTP Fellowship hosted by the University of York
The Daphne Jackson Trust has launched a new fellowship for Research Technical Professionals (RTP) who have taken a career break of at least two years for family, health or caring reasons and want to return to a technical role in research. This fellowship offers a personalised retraining and reskilling programme for the successful applicant.
Applications
Applications are now being invited for a full or part-time flexible fellowship at the University of York. This could be either at one-year full time, 18-month part time at 0.75FTE or a two-year, part-time at 0.5FTE or another combination to suit the applicant, within the Bioscience Technology Facility at the University of York. This opportunity is open to people looking to return to work within an area of technical expertise such as microscopy or cytometry and will be based in York.
The Technology Facility has six core areas, Data Science, Genomics, Metabolomics and Proteomics, Imaging and Cytometry, Molecular Interactions and Biophysics and Protein Production and is currently supported by 29 staff members in its own 2000m2 purpose built space. The facility provides research support and services to both researchers from within the University as well as to external researchers from academia and industry and is recognised as providing a premier service to its 300+ users and as such, the work of the laboratory is wide and very varied. The Imaging and Cytometry Lab itself is home to over 20 high end microscopes and cytometers, and frequently helps develop and adopt new technologies. This new role will be expected to offer support within the facility.
The Department of Biology itself is recognised as one of the leading and most accomplished departments at York, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their full potential. We take great pride in holding the Athena Swan Gold Award.
About the role
We are looking for someone wanting to restart their career as a research technicial professional who has taken a career break of two or more years for caring, health or family reasons and who is now looking to return to their career. They will update their technical skills and experience to support the broad range of internal and external users.
The role holder should have experience in a core technology, such as microscopy or cytometry, but we are open to other areas as well. Masters level experience or equivalent experience is required with regards to supporting and operating your area of technical expertise. Whilst the basics have not changed, we are looking for someone enthusiastic to get up to speed and learn about the latest technologies and their potential applications. It is a majority lab based role with some administrative responsibilities (e.g. liaising with vendor service teams).
Critically, you will be working with a positive minded, friendly team that will help support you throughout the fellowship. The user base is also friendly and respectful of the team, making it an ideal place to retune your skills.
The work of the laboratory is wide and very varied and involves user training, support and advice; experimental troubleshooting and equipment maintenance; method development; and teaching on our international training courses. Our users are researchers from both the University of York and external organisations for example, companies, other universities, Government institutions etc.
A printable copy of this advert can be found here
Further details
For further information about these opportunities at the University of York, please contact Peter O’Toole (peter.otoole@york.ac.uk ).
For further details about the role, eligibility criteria or to apply, please email djmft@surrey.ac.uk. To find out more about the Daphne Jackson Trust and other fellowship opportunities please visit www.daphnejackson.org
Please note that for this re-training as a Research Technical Professional Fellowship and PhD is not essential. (Masters or equivalent experience in the core technology is required. This could be via its application during research, or through support in a prior support role). Good knowledge of the techniques associated with one of the core labs e.g. Imaging and Cytometry Laboratory, and sample preparation of biological samples, experience of providing training in both informal and formal settings, proven ability to interact with users in a positive and proactive manner, and have a flexible and responsive approach to the work with a good customer focus are required.
Closing date for applications is Monday 14th September 2026
Once eligibility has been confirmed and following shortlisting by the Daphne Jackson Trust, the University of York will undertake an internal selection process to identify the preferred candidates.