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R&D Technician – Introduction

If you have experience of working in molecular laboratory in either an academic or industry setting, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the success of a science-based SME with a bright future.

As a world leader in delivering nature data and intelligence, NatureMetrics is a technology company working at the cutting edge of molecular biodiversity monitoring and bringing high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies to the frontline of environmental management around the world. We have grown rapidly over the last five years and validated our technology in multiple industry sectors and regions. With an exciting scale up plan backed by ambitious and supportive investors, we are now recruiting an R&D Technician to be part of a committed team focused on the development of our existing products.

R&D Technician – The Role

• Assist in the optimisation of the throughput/quality of our current laboratory methods.
• Investigate, through large scale experiments and statistics, the limitations of our current services.
• Keep detailed laboratory notes following our standard procedures.
• Follow internal protocol for sample tracking & documentation.
• Assist in expanding the current suite of templates used by the lab.
• Generate standard protocols for internal use as an R&D output.
• Prepare training documents/manuals/videos.
• Write detailed experimental plans.
• Prepare reports on experiment results.
• Collaborate closely with other members of the laboratory team & maintain ongoing communication to ensure efficient planning/prioritisation of tasks.
• Keep the Lab manager informed on laboratory matters, including stock levels.
• Use COSHH and risk assessments, compliance with company procedures/HSE legal requirements.

R&D Technician – About You

• A biological sciences degree.
• Good practical understanding of DNA extraction, PCR, library preparation & sequencing technology.
• Experience of working in a molecular laboratory in an academic/industry setting.
• Experience in laboratory method development, troubleshooting, optimisation & robotics.
• Able to write standard operating procedures.
• Able to pick up & apply new methods with minimal guidance.
• Able to generate & complete experimental plans.
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills.
• Able to work collaboratively, freely sharing ideas & concepts.

R&D Technician – Desirable Skills

• MSc in a Biological field.
• Experience of working with environmental DNA or metabarcoding.

R&D Technician – What Is In It For You

We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:

• Competitive Salary (depending on experience)
• 25 days holiday excluding bank holidays
• Company pension
• Flexible 40-hour week (core hours 10am to 4pm) including 1 hour paid lunch
• Cycle to Work Scheme,
• Enhanced family friendly policy
• Dedicated well-being room
• Health insurance.

This is an office based role.

R&D Technician – How to Apply

Apply online via the link below and we will get back to you. Full JD Below

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.

At NatureMetrics diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us to the communities we work with. Our values leave no space for stereotypes. We are all unique and pull together for a common purpose

JOB DESCRIPTION

CONTEXT OF ROLE

We are an expanding science-based SME with a bright future. As a world leader in delivering nature data and intelligence, NatureMetrics brings the power of genetics to frontline environmental management. Our products allow our customers to make better decisions for business and nature. We now have an exciting scale up plan backed by ambitious and supportive investors, with a mandate to ‘bring nature into the boardroom;' helping companies understand their impact on biodiversity and the benefits of protecting it. We are a team of bright, enthusiastic individuals who are excited to be breaking new ground and disrupting the world of biodiversity monitoring. We take great pride in our work and are seeking new team members who will do the same.

MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB

Applications are invited for a Laboratory Technician to work in the Delivery Development Team within an expanding science-based company. Primarily a laboratory-based role focusing on the development of our existing products. The successful candidate will report to a Research Scientist and will also work closely with other members of the Science team.

Applicants should have significant experience of molecular laboratory work and enjoy working in a dynamic, collaborative, team environment. Experience of working with environmental DNA or metabarcoding would be an advantage but is not essential. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in laboratory method development, troubleshooting, optimisation and robotics. But ultimately are keen on working with an enthusiastic problem solver with a completionist attitude.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

This technical role is core to the Delivery Development Team, which is responsible for optimising and expanding our current core services. These current services are based primarily on the high throughput sequencing of amplicons using Illumina technology, but additional services (see our website) exist that would benefit from systematic ground-up evaluation and optimisation.

The key responsibilities for the successful applicant would be to:

• Assist in the optimisation of the throughput/quality of our current laboratory methods without compromising our quality of science. It is essential that the applicant has a good practical understanding of DNA extraction, PCR, library preparation, and sequencing technology, but also a willingness to bring in new methodologies and implement/evaluate them with the aim of developing new in-house protocols.
• Investigate, through large scale experiments and statistics, the limitations of our current services. e.g. Assist in the thorough testing of our existing products to inform the Product team of their limitations and potentially update our existing offerings.

The successful applicant would assist in the research new methods/techniques to improve our current services, delivery of the experiments, analysis of the data generated, and the full documentation and dissemination of the results/changes to the wider team.

The successful applicant would report to a Research Scientist working in the Delivery Development team, and work very closely with the existing laboratory Product Delivery team.

• Keep detailed laboratory notes following our standard procedures
• Follow internal protocol for sample tracking & documentation
• Assist in expanding the current suite of templates used by the lab
• Generate standard protocols for internal use as an R&D output
• Prepare training documents/manuals/videos.
• Write detailed experimental plans
• Be prepared to report the outcomes of these experiments to a growing team of technical staff, particularly where they result in changes to the standard operating procedure.
• Collaborate closely with other members of the laboratory team and maintain ongoing communication to ensure efficient planning and prioritisation of tasks.
• Keep the Lab manager informed on laboratory matters, including stock levels.
• Use COSHH and risk assessments, compliance with company procedures and HSE legal requirements

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE

• MSc in a Biological field with relevant laboratory expertise is desirable but you must have at least two years experience working in a molecular laboratory in either an academic or industry setting.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• High level of attention to detail is vital
• Must be able to use pipettes with confidence and precision
• Core laboratory skills: DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, high throughput sequencing technology, and a thorough understanding of the methodologies
• Able to write standard operating procedures
• Able to pick up and apply new methods with minimal guidance
• Able to generate and complete experimental plans
• Able to effectively track and maintain the expected timelines of multiple on-going projects

Interpersonal & communication skills

• Organised & meticulous
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Willing to follow established protocols
• Able to train other technicians

Additional requirements

All applicants are legally required to demonstrate the right to work/permission to work in the UK.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.

At NatureMetrics diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us to the communities we work with. Our values leave no space for stereotypes. We are all unique and pull together for a common purpose.

NATUREMETRICS VALUES

NatureMetrics Values are Transparency, Excellence, Advancement, Collaboration and Honesty. These values should be embedded in your work and behaviour, and any associated policies and processes adopted consistently.

This document sets out key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks and duties. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to reasonably vary the responsibilities from time to time depending on the needs of the organisation without changing the level of the role.