Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research scientist role to work with an expanding science-based start-up company. NatureMetrics is a high growth, biotech start-up with an exciting potential for combining commercial excellence with a positive impact on nature and the environment. Our amazing team of scientists has commercialised a process to use DNA-based monitoring technologies to the frontline of environmental management and biodiversity conservation around the world. Having developed and optimised aquatic eDNA monitoring products we now want to find an excellent research scientist who can help us to develop and deliver our product offering in Soils and Sediments. We are excited to be disrupting the world of biodiversity monitoring, by accelerating the power and pace of data acquisition in sectors such as the agriculture, infrastructure and extractive industries. We’ve already delivered an Innovate UK grant in this area and delivered client projects across three continents. Now we want to further develop our methods and optimise a fully commercial product offering. To apply, please email
[email protected] including a CV and covering letter as soon as possible.
General:
Experience in extraction of DNA from soils and sediments is essential
Experience in amplification of target groups for soils and sediments is essential
Experience of NGS on an Illumina MiSeq is desirable
Experience of primer design and optimisation is desirable
Experience in data analysis, building phylogenies and databases is desirable. We do have a senior bioinformatician who you will be able to work closely with so deep data science experience is not essential
Some understanding of the ecological context that the samples originate in and an understanding of the ways the data can be interpreted is essential
Applicants must have experience of HTS/NGS for metagenomics and/or metabarcoding, ideally including hands-on experience with library preparation.
Role will be responsible for the generation, analysis and interpretation of experimental data, identifying issues, troubleshooting and implementing necessary changes
Role will be responsible for ensuring the quality of experimental data, results and methodology used.
Competence in project management is desirable
Interest in business and the application of science to the commercial sector is essential
The candidate will also be expected to contribute to other research projects as required.
Communication
Reporting to our Head of Science and staying in regular communication with our Head of Data Science
Working closely with members of the commercial team and our clients to define the problems that our clients face and how our products can be developed and refined to answer those problems
Maintain communication links with project collaborators
Health & Safety
Use COSHH and risk assessments, compliance with company procedures and HSE legal requirements
Person Specification
Education & qualifications
You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in a related subject.
Specialist knowledge & skills
NGS laboratory skills: DNA extraction from soil, PCR, NGS library preparation, DNA quality control
Bioinformatics experience to analyse research data from genome and metagenome sequencing.
Interpersonal & communication skills
Organised & meticulous with effective communication skills
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Relevant experience
The preferred candidate will have experience in metabarcoding/metagenome laboratory analysis.
Experience in working with soil and / or sediment samples
Additional requirements
All applicants are legally required to demonstrate the right to work/permission to work in the UK.
Location
NatureMetrics Ltd, CABI Site, Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9TY
Working pattern and hours
The postholder is expected to work 35 hours a week Monday to Friday with core hours between 10am and 4pm
