At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to engineer biofilms for tackling environmental challenges.
- Company: Be part of the innovative McCarthy Lab at the University of Southampton.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate internationally and develop skills in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental issues using cutting-edge synthetic biology techniques.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in a relevant field with experience in biofilm formation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The McCarthy Lab has an exciting opportunity for a prospective Research Technician who is interested in synthetic biology approaches to engineer biofilms to better tackle environmental challenges. You will be joining a highly interdisciplinary project, where we will blend synthetic biology, environmental engineering, and biotechnology to develop disruptive solutions to major environmental challenges. Experience with advanced cloning systems, CRISPR tools, metagenomic mining and the use of different biofilm imaging platforms is highly desirable. There will be a particular focus on developing approaches to harness bacterial community behaviours like biofilm formation to better tackle environmental pollutants such as waste plastics. Our aim is to leverage cutting‑edge advancements in synthetic biology and biofilm engineering to develop innovative strategies for bioremediation, with a key focus on scalable solutions that can be readily adopted by the waste and water sectors. This fast‑paced project will give the successful candidate the opportunity to develop new skills by working closely with our interdisciplinary team and build their international profile including through research visits to academic collaborators and working with SMEs.
Responsibilities
- The successful candidate will be responsible for accurate and efficient data generation, data management, collation and the reporting of results to the project lead.
- The post‑holder will need to demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organisational, team‑working and communication skills and have a keen interest in drafting research outputs for peer‑review publication.
- The successful applicant will work closely with other researchers within the McCarthy Lab and with other EBIC partners.
- There will also be opportunities to explore the commercial.
Qualifications
- BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline.
- Experience and knowledge in the field of biofilm formation is essential.
- Experience in some or all of the following: advanced cloning systems, CRISPR tools, metagenomic mining and the use of different biofilm imaging platforms is highly desirable.
- Enthusiastic, well motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Position is available for 32 months.
- Please include one paper or preprint that illustrates research skills that are relevant to this project.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.
Benefits
Working at the University of Southampton offers a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days, and a flexible working approach.
Application
Apply by 11.59 pm UK time on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
Research Technician (Engineering Biology) in Eastleigh employer: University of Southampton
The McCarthy Lab at the University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of synthetic biology. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to generous benefits, including a flexible working approach and ample holiday allowance, while contributing to meaningful projects aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges. Join us to develop your skills alongside a diverse team of experts and enhance your international profile through collaborative research opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician (Engineering Biology) in Eastleigh
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like University of Southampton. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like University of Southampton!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician (Engineering Biology) in Eastleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show University of Southampton that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at University of Southampton.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that University of Southampton does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at University of Southampton. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into University of Southampton's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at University of Southampton. This shows your passion for the industry!
