Research Technician​/Senior Research Technician Nanopore Technology and Metagenomics

About the role

The role focuses on providing technical support and expertise in the application of Oxford Nanopore Technology to assess agricultural soil microbiomes. You will be helping to devise, test and deliver protocols for in-field DNA extraction and sequencing, collating data and supporting analysis, and assisting in the delivery of knowledge exchange activities. You will be reporting to Dr Jennifer Rowntree in the School of Biological and Marine Sciences.

• Provide general and specialist support for molecular laboratory and field based research activities
• Demonstrate techniques and equipment to colleagues and external stakeholders and provide training in their use
• Contribute to the development of new techniques and protocols in the area of research.

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

A current full driving licence (manual transmission) is essential as you will be driving University of Plymouth vehicles.

This role is also subject to health surveillance with our Occupational Health team.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

This is a part‑time role working 22.2 hours per week on a fixed‑term basis for 9 months due to the nature of the funding.

You will have:

• A degree or equivalent (a higher degree is desirable) in a relevant subject area
• Professional experience of working in a molecular biology laboratory and adhering to good lab practice
• Experience of working with sequencing technology.

Prior experience of using Oxford Nanopore Technology is desirable, as is some experience of post sequencing bioinformatics and data processing.

You will be working within the University's Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems under the Soil Health theme and contributing to the development of the Centre's eDNA and metabarcoding Facility.

The School of Biological and Marine Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education.

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

£30,378 to £38,784. Grade 5/6, pro rata per annum

Contact:
Jennifer Rowntree – jenn