At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in groundbreaking research on molecular microbiology for pet care innovation.
- Company: Join Mars, a purpose-driven company with a commitment to building a better tomorrow.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and top-notch learning opportunities from day one.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on safety, quality, and compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in pet care while collaborating with diverse, talented professionals.
- Qualifications: PhD or relevant degree with hands-on lab experience in microbiology techniques.
The predicted salary is between 37080 - 45320 £ per year.
The Senior Laboratory Research Scientist role provides expert guidance, operational oversight and day-to-day leadership for a small team of Laboratory Research Scientists. You will act as a subject matter expert and key contributor within the laboratory team, collaborating closely with peers and in partnership with the Research team to generate insights and key methods that directly support product innovation, research and development for Mars Petcare.
What will be your key responsibilities?
- Provide technical leadership and day-to-day management for their designated laboratory area, ensuring effective delivery of research activities and alignment with WPSI and Mars Petcare priorities.
- Line manage up to 3 Laboratory Research Scientists, fostering a high-performing, motivated and collaborative team environment.
- Collaborate with other technical experts and cross-functional teams to develop, validate and implement analytical methods that deliver robust scientific insights.
- Oversee operational aspects of the assigned laboratory area, including coordination of third-party contractors for equipment maintenance and repair.
- Ensure all laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with Mars’ policies, and champion a culture of safety, quality and compliance in the laboratory.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of laboratory activities using Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN) and other data management systems.
- Contribute to knowledge sharing and capability building within the laboratory team and the broader WPSI research community.
What are we looking for?
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as Microbiology, Molecular Biology etc. or a relevant degree with substantial, proven experience in the field.
- Considerable hands-on experience with laboratory instruments and techniques relevant to the scientific discipline, including: culturing and characterising novel species, competition assays, PCR, qPCR and RT-PCR.
- Experience handling bacterial genome data, to build genome sequences of novel isolated bacteria, from Illumina or long read sequencing data.
- Experience in host-microbe-nutrition interactions (desirable).
- Experience working with low biomass samples (desirable).
What can you expect from Mars?
- Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
- Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
- Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Molecular Microbiology in Kent employer: Mars
Mars in Melton Mowbray is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With competitive salaries, private healthcare, and ample opportunities for career advancement, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while working with state-of-the-art technology in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Molecular Microbiology in Kent
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Mars, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Mars. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Molecular Microbiology in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Mars. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Mars. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Mars. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Mars to drive research projects forward.
