At a Glance
- Tasks: Support groundbreaking research in plant molecular biology and genetics.
- Company: Join Rothamsted Research, a leading UK agricultural science institute.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a generous pension, and a vibrant campus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-impact research while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in genetics and molecular biology; strong attention to detail.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with expert guidance and career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you passionate about plant science, genetics, and cutting‑edge molecular biology? Do you want to contribute to high‑impact research uncovering how genetic information is exchanged and inherited? If so, we’d love you to join our team.
We are inviting applications for a Scientific Technician to help the research programme of Dr Christophe Lambing at Rothamsted Research. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and curious scientist to gain hands-on experience in a vibrant research environment.
About the Research
Our group investigates the fundamental biology of meiotic recombination—a process crucial for fertility, genetic diversity, and genome evolution. During meiosis, hundreds of programmed DNA double‑strand breaks are repaired through unique germ‑cell pathways. While essential, many aspects of this mechanism remain unknown.
This project focuses on Arabidopsis and aims to:
- Decode the molecular pathway driving germ cell differentiation
- Understand how these pathways influence meiotic recombination
- Develop and apply innovative genetic, epigenetic, and molecular biology techniques to answer long-standing questions in plant reproductive biology
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll play a key role in supporting experimental work across the lab, including:
- Characterising Arabidopsis mutant lines
- Collecting and preparing plant samples for genotyping
- Conducting DNA extractions, PCR, and microscopy
- Assisting with molecular cloning and plant transformation
- Contributing to high‑throughput phenotyping of recombination events
- Working closely with a postdoctoral researcher to deliver high‑quality data and impactful research outputs
This role offers the chance to broaden your technical expertise and work across a wide range of modern molecular and genetic techniques.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in genetics and molecular biology
- Scientifically curious with a strong understanding of biological concepts
- Able to work with precision, accuracy, and attention to detail
- A clear communicator with a collaborative, team‑focused mindset
- Ideally educated to university level or higher in a relevant discipline
You’ll have expert guidance, but we also value proactive individuals who enjoy taking ownership of their experiments and contributing to the wider success of the team.
Interested?
For informal enquiries or further information, please contact: Dr Christophe Lambing – christophe.lambing@rothamsted.ac.uk
About The Company
Established in 1843, Rothamsted Research is one of the UK's leading Research Institutes delivering world class agricultural science. Our commitment to learning and development, equality, diversity and inclusion and flexibility in working arrangements creates a positive work life balance and enables a welcoming environment for all prospective employees.
As a Disability Confident Employer we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and all disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview. If this is required, please contact us. Applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age are welcomed, providing the required criteria is met.
We have an attractive benefits package including 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities.
c.ÂŁ40,000 per annum dependent on experience
Scientific Technician in St Albans employer: Rothamsted Research
Contact Detail:
Rothamsted Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Technician in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of plant molecular biology and genetics. Attend seminars, workshops, or even online webinars to connect with researchers and professionals. You never know who might have a lead on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge about the latest research in the field. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of a Scientific Technician. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your passion for plant science.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on places that excite you! Use our website to find roles that match your interests and skills. Tailor your approach to each application, highlighting why you’re a great fit for their specific research goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. It’s also a chance to reiterate your interest and remind them why you’d be a fantastic addition to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Technician in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for plant science and molecular biology shine through in your application. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the research and the role, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in genetics and molecular biology. We’re looking for precision and attention to detail, so showcase any hands-on work you've done that aligns with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Be clear, concise, and connect your skills to the specific tasks mentioned in the job description. We love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rothamsted Research
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your knowledge of plant molecular biology and genetics. Be prepared to discuss key concepts related to meiotic recombination and the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like DNA extractions and PCR. Showing that you understand the science behind the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your scientific curiosity by asking insightful questions about the research programme. Inquire about ongoing projects or challenges the team is facing. This not only shows your interest but also highlights your proactive nature, which is something they value.
✨Highlight Your Precision
Since attention to detail is crucial for this role, be ready to share examples from your past experiences where precision was key. Discuss how you ensure accuracy in your experiments and data collection, as this will resonate well with the team's focus on high-quality data.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This position requires collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher and the wider team. Share experiences where you've successfully worked in a team setting, highlighting your communication skills and how you contribute to group success. They’re looking for someone who can fit into their collaborative environment.