Automation Senior Research Assistant (Bio Foundry)

Applications are invited for a Senior Research Assistant to join the Bio Foundry team at the Earlham Institute.

Background:

The Earlham Institute (EI) is a research institute focused on exploring living systems by applying computational science and biotechnology to answer ambitious biological questions and generate enabling resources.

The Earlham Bio Foundry house suites of laboratory automation that have been used to scale-up molecular biology experimental process. It provides the UK bioscience community with access to automated platforms for nano-scale modular DNA assembly, verification and delivery to plant and microbial cells.

The role:

This role is an excellent opportunity to develop unique skills related to Synthetic Biology and new approaches to science applying automation processes. The Earlham Institute offers an extraordinary scientific and collaborative environment that enables us to deliver specialized training for high demanded skills in Biotechnology.

The Senior Research Assistant (SRA) will support the automation of high throughput workflows for the Bio Foundry at the Earlham Institute, including the development of COVID-19 screening. The SRA will play a key role in automating, troubleshooting and streamlining both current and future pipelines in a rapidly changing and technology-led environment. They will also assist with the building and testing of engineered organisms as required by customers’ and collaborators’ projects.

The SRA will work closely with other laboratory staff in the DNA Foundry to plan, execute and deliver scheduled high throughput and/or novel techniques. The SRA will transition complex, and cutting-edge laboratory processes onto the Foundry’s liquid handling robotics platforms, as well as ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of laboratory automation, and delivering training to other staff and collaborators. The SRA’s work will support Earlham’s strategic science programmes and the National Capability in Genomics.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates must have extensive experience in automated liquid handling processes (e.g. Labcyte, Hamilton systems) and a detailed understanding of automation principles and workflows for molecular biology techniques. Candidates must have a degree in a relevant scientific subject, such as biology, computer science or engineering. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,625 to £38,575 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a fulltime post for a period of 23 months.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our web site http://jobs.earlham.ac.uk/ or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk  quoting reference 1003884.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 26^th May 2020. Please note, we may close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Key words: #Automation, #Liquid handling platforms, #Synthetic Biology, #COVID-19 screening