At a Glance
- Tasks: Support groundbreaking ocean research and develop practical microbiology skills in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Join the National Oceanography Centre, the UK's leader in ocean research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, a generous pension scheme, and access to wellbeing services.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career growth and social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on marine science while participating in exciting oceanographic expeditions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Microbiology or related field, with practical lab experience and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 36382 - 36382 £ per year.
- Microbiology Technician
- National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
- Permanent
- Full time (37 hours per week)
- £36, 382
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research.
Our work spans ground breaking research, collaboration and innovation to deepen our understanding of the ocean and support a wide range of society, business and policy outcomes.
We are a dynamic community devoted to solving complex marine science problems and underpinning public policy, while keeping ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
About the role
The Scientific & Technical Specialist Group works with scientists within the NOC and beyond to deliver world class analytical services.
As an Entry Level Microbiology Technician you will support research activities in the biology labs, develop practical skills in microbiology, microscopy, molecular biology and chemical imaging, and participate in oceanographic expeditions.
About you
- Undergraduate degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Practical laboratory experience in microbiological techniques, including microscopy, chemical image acquisition and image/data analysis.
- Motivation to participate in oceanographic expeditions.
- Strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and a commitment to laboratory safety, quality and compliance.
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate clearly with academic staff, researchers, students and external stakeholders.
- A proactive approach to problem solving, willingness to support research activities and enthusiasm for contributing to a collaborative environment.
Why NOC?
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays.
- 10% employer contribution pension scheme with 15% NI saving on employee contributions over 5% in a salary sacrifice scheme.
- Death in Service (three times annual salary) from day one of employment, plus access to a range of Aviva wellbeing services.
- Financial support for relocation.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies).
- Employee Assistance Programme offering free, confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues.
- Access to a flexible benefits portal providing online discounts, cashback and e gift cards.
- Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories.
- A great working environment with social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations.
- Living Wage Employer status.
- Location
This position will be based in Southampton.
The centre is well connected by public transport and offers ample cycle parking, free onsite car parking and more than 40 EV charging points.
Diversity and inclusion
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace.
We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, ensuring a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.
Microbiology Technician in Southampton employer: The National Oceanography Centre
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in oceanographic research. Employees benefit from a generous pension scheme, comprehensive wellbeing support, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful scientific advancements aboard world-class research vessels. Based in Southampton, NOC fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring every team member's voice is valued as they tackle global marine challenges together.
Contact Details:
The National Oceanography Centre Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Microbiology Technician in Southampton
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like The National Oceanography Centre, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like The National Oceanography Centre, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at The National Oceanography Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Microbiology Technician in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at The National Oceanography Centre.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Microbiology Technician at The National Oceanography Centre.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at The National Oceanography Centre.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Oceanography Centre
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at The National Oceanography Centre.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at The National Oceanography Centre are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
