Junior Microbiologist in Hampshire

iFAST (www.ifastdiagnostics.com) is an innovative new spinout from the University of Southampton, led by an experienced team of entrepreneurs and scientists. We have developed a game-changing rapid test for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, to help combat the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, which kills more than 1 million people per year – more than malaria or AIDS. Our test gives results in under 3 hours, meaning every patient with a bacterial infection can receive the most appropriate antibiotic first time, every time.

We are seeking a Junior Microbiologist to join our team in Southampton, to help us develop our systems, optimise the testing process, and bring this vital new technology to global markets. You will report to the Lead Microbiologist.

Responsibilities

• Culturing organisms and exposing them to a range of antibiotics for testing using various methods, including the iFAST technology
• Developing and optimising protocols for extracting bacteria from clinical samples
• Monitoring and identifying microorganisms from clinical samples
• Supporting iFAST evaluations and trials in a range of hospitals in the UK and abroad
• Helping develop our tests for new types of bacteria and potentially other micro-organisms such as fungi
• Helping plan and execute test protocols to prove our products meet clinical and regulatory requirements
• Collecting samples from different types of environments, including hospitals and testing laboratories
• Presenting your findings to the team and our collaborators

Skills and Experience

• Ability to design and plan research investigations and experiments
• Great interpersonal skills, as we are a small, close-knit team with a culture of togetherness
• Strong communication skills, to liaise with colleagues and the wider community
• The capacity to manage a laboratory project and collaborate with a wide variety of technical colleagues
• The ability to work well in a team and to manage your own workload with minimal supervision
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to use your initiative to fix things when they go wrong
• An accurate and methodical approach to work, including documentation of your methods and results
• Good numeracy and IT skills
• Results analysis
• Good degree in microbiology or similar subject; previous experience in microbiology is favourable but not essential

What we Offer

In common with many start-ups, we offer a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you can learn a huge amount in a short time, with exposure to everything happening in the company. We look after our staff as they are our key asset, and offer regular salary reviews, share options, lots of flexibility and generous training allowances. Our facilities are commutable from most of Hampshire, West Sussex, Poole, Bournemouth etc.

What Next?

If you are interested, please explore our website, LinkedIn page and short film, then send your CV and a covering letter. We would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible so please don’t delay – get in touch today and start the journey to help us solve the massive issue of antimicrobial resistance.