At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our plant genotyping team and conduct hands-on lab work and data analysis.
- Company: Wild Bio, an innovative Oxford University spin-out focused on sustainable crop enhancement.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, collaborative environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Exciting growth phase with a passionate team dedicated to innovation and community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food sustainability while working with cutting-edge bioscience.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in biological science or equivalent experience; strong lab skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you someone who enjoys hands-on lab work and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment? We're looking for a motivated Scientific Technician or Research Associate (based on experience level) to join our plant genotyping team, playing a key role in our molecular biology and genotyping pipelines. The ideal candidate is happy at the lab bench and equally comfortable with the computational analysis of genotyping data.
At Wild Bio we are radically enhancing crops to feed the world sustainably and promote a wilder planet. Our proprietary genetics platform harnesses wild innovations to enhance the world’s most important crops. Wild-enhanced crops would simultaneously boost farm yields and promote gigaton-scale carbon mitigation strategies. If you’re looking for a start-up that has enormous potential for impact on growers, consumers, and the planet, please read on.
Wild Bio is a well-funded, fast-paced Oxford University spin-out working from state-of-the-art labs and offices at Milton Park, Oxfordshire. We are about to enter an exciting phase of growth and are looking for a driven and curious scientist to join us and significantly contribute to delivering the change we believe in.
Our values
- Curiosity: We fuel our desire to explore the unknown, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and sparking innovation. We ask questions, seek answers, and embrace lifelong learning.
- Community: We believe in the strength and support gained through collaboration and inclusion. As part of a global community, we nurture connections to drive meaningful impact for both people and planet.
- Courage: We face challenges head-on, take calculated risks, and stand up for our beliefs. Our bravery propels us to take action, even in the face of adversity.
If these values resonate with you, we invite you to join our team of passionate scientists and innovators working at the cutting edge of bioscience.
Location
We’re headquartered in Milton Park, a business and technology park in Oxfordshire. This is an on-site role, though we offer flexibility and hybrid working when possible. The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Requirements
Essential
- A Bachelor's degree in a relevant biological science (or equivalent hands-on experience); a Master's is desirable.
- Strong, hands-on wet-lab molecular biology experience, particularly nucleic acid extractions and PCR.
- Familiarity with bioinformatics tools — comfortable moving between the bench and computational analysis of genotyping and sequencing data.
- Some experience running and troubleshooting analysis tools in a Linux/Unix environment using a command line interface.
- Experience designing primers (and ideally probes) for genotyping or other molecular assays.
- Be a team player in a multi-disciplinary environment, building relationships, and gaining trust from others through honesty, compassion, and authenticity.
- Have a curious and courageous mindset, enjoy stepping up to try new things in a changing environment, and taking initiative where there is often ambiguity.
- Want to seek out new opportunities to develop, share learnings with others, and strive to support others in their own development and growth.
Desirable
- Proficiency with LINUX, Python, and shell scripts to build or improve data analysis pipelines.
- Wet lab experience with high throughput sample processing, liquid handling, or PCR based techniques (e.g. qPCR, dPCR, KASP).
Scientific Technician / Research Associate - Plant Genotyping employer: Wild Bioscience
Wild Bioscience is an exceptional employer located in Abingdon, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, equity options, and a comprehensive benefits package, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth within the field of crop genomics. Joining our dynamic team means contributing to meaningful research initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable food production.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Technician / Research Associate - Plant Genotyping
✨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 Wild Bioscience. 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 Wild Bioscience!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Technician / Research Associate - Plant Genotyping
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 Wild Bioscience 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 Wild Bioscience.
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 Wild Bioscience 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 Wild Bioscience
✨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 Wild Bioscience. 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 Wild Bioscience'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 Wild Bioscience. This shows your passion for the industry!
