At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in micropalaeontological research and support lab users with sample preparation.
- Company: Join a leading university committed to innovative research and diversity.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; part-time roles encouraged.
- Why this job: Contribute to groundbreaking climate research while developing your lab skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in science and experience in laboratory environments required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated individual to provide micropalaeontological research assistance and technical support for the NERC large grant NE/V018361/1 “Solving the Oligocene Icehouse Conundrum (TONIC)”.
About the role
The role holder will combine excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to perform technical tasks with care and attention to detail. They will have a flexible approach and a keen interest in developing laboratory and research skills. The post holder will have experience in working to good laboratory standards within a scientific environment to enable micropalaeontological research to be conducted efficiently. They will be involved in microfossil separation and preparation of samples for geochemical analysis, supporting lab users and maintaining clear and accurate records.
TONIC is a large collaborative project to document Oligocene climate and the carbon cycle, and to improve understanding of climate and ice sheet sensitivity in a warmer world. The successful applicant will contribute to the overall success of TONIC.
This role is available as full time, or part-time 0.5 FTE and is funded for one year in the first instance. Interviews will be held in July 2026.
About you
The successful candidate will be educated to degree level in a science subject and have experience of working in scientific laboratory environments. A working knowledge of micropalaeontological laboratory equipment and processes, and knowledge of health and safety requirements within a laboratory is essential. The post holder will have the ability to perform technical tasks and produce work to a high standard with care and attention to detail, and have the ability to keep clear and accurate records.
What we offer
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Research Technician in Micropalaeontology employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
As a leading institution in scientific research, we offer an exceptional work environment for the Research Technician in Micropalaeontology role, located in the vibrant city of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development within a diverse and inclusive culture. Join us to contribute to groundbreaking research while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values creativity and innovation.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician in Micropalaeontology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in micropalaeontology on LinkedIn or at conferences. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge about micropalaeontological processes. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate expert ready to contribute to TONIC!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Being able to explain complex concepts clearly is key. We want to see how you can share your knowledge with lab users and maintain those clear records.
✨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 love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician in Micropalaeontology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Micropalaeontology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for micropalaeontology shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the field and how it aligns with our project goals. Share any relevant experiences or coursework that sparked your passion.
Highlight Your Technical Skills:Make sure to detail your experience with laboratory equipment and processes. We’re looking for someone who can perform technical tasks with care and attention to detail, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in microfossil separation and sample preparation!
Keep It Organised and Clear:Your application should reflect the excellent organisational skills we value. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make your application easy to read. Remember, keeping accurate records is key in our work, so show us you can do this from the get-go!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us without any hiccups. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to explore more about our team and the exciting work we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Micropalaeontology Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of micropalaeontological processes and equipment. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the lab, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. This shows your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the role requires high standards and meticulous record-keeping, prepare examples that highlight your attention to detail. Share experiences where your careful approach made a difference in your work or contributed to successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Think about how you manage your time and tasks in a lab setting. Be ready to explain your methods for keeping things organised, whether it’s through digital tools or physical filing systems. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the responsibilities of the role efficiently.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the TONIC project and the team you'll be working with. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. It’s a great way to demonstrate your proactive nature and genuine interest in contributing to the research.
