At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct cutting-edge research in genetic engineering of microbiomes for a sustainable future.
- Company: Join the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, a leader in innovative research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, health services, and generous leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for hybrid working and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global sustainability through advanced microbiome engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in genetic engineering and a passion for microbiome research.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 46000 £ per year.
Working within Manchester Institute of Biotechnology under the supervision of Professor Neil Dixon, the post is funded by the BBSRC strategic Longer and Larger grant "Rules of life in CO2-driven microbial communities: Microbiome engineering for a Net Zero future". In this project we will deploy state of the art metagenomic engineering tools to permit in situ genetic augmentation to modify microbiome function. The long-term goal is that these engineered microbiomes will support the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy and carbon-negative production of chemicals.
You will be responsible for conducting research under the supervision of Profs Dixon and Nixon to engineer the microbial communities from hot springs that successfully grow on CO2 and H2. You will be responsible for the design and deployment of CRISPR-based microbiome engineering tools, to both isolate individual community members for analysis and to augment the entire microbiome community with modified functions. These isolates and augmented communities will be phenotyped and further adapted under batch cultivation experiments and continuous cultivation studies using flow through bioreactors.
You will work closely with other postdocs and PhD students in this project, who will be applying complementary approaches to the same systems (including metabarcoding, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing approaches, as well as multi-species metabolic modelling). You will also be supported by senior technical specialists.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working.
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Research Associate in Genetic Engineering of Microbiomes employer: The University of Manchester
The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of genetic engineering. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, competitive benefits including a market-leading pension scheme, and ample opportunities for professional growth through cutting-edge research projects, this role provides a meaningful pathway to contribute to sustainable solutions for a carbon-negative future. Located in the vibrant city of Manchester, employees enjoy a rich cultural scene and access to local and national discounts, making it an attractive place to work and thrive.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Genetic Engineering of Microbiomes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the work culture, plus it shows your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with CRISPR technology and metagenomic engineering tools. We want to see you not just as a candidate, but as someone who’s ready to contribute to the research from day one!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for sustainability and bioeconomy during your discussions. We love candidates who align with our mission of creating carbon-negative solutions. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to these values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for talent that fits our vision, so make sure to highlight how you can help us achieve our goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Genetic Engineering of Microbiomes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Associate in Genetic Engineering of Microbiomes. Highlight relevant experience, especially with CRISPR and microbiome research, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about microbiome engineering and how your skills align with our project goals. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Showcase Your Research Skills:In your application, emphasise any hands-on experience with metagenomic tools or bioreactor studies. We want to know how you've tackled similar challenges in the past and what you can bring to our innovative project.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest techniques in genetic engineering, especially CRISPR and metagenomic tools. Familiarise yourself with the specific research projects at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, particularly those led by Professors Dixon and Nixon. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with postdocs and PhD students, highlight your collaborative skills. Prepare examples of past teamwork experiences where you contributed to a project’s success. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in a team-oriented environment, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions about the project, the team dynamics, or the future direction of microbiome engineering. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable discussing your research experience. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when explaining complex concepts related to microbiome engineering. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel on the day!
