Address
*2 positions available*
Full time
Fixed term for 12 months
The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 11 March 2024.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a role under SOC code 3119.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The Post
Organisational Structure
This job reports to: Lead Technical Specialist (Molecular) and Research Project leads, Institute of Aquaculture.
The Role
The Faculty of Natural Sciences is seeking to appoint two highly motivated and skilled Molecular Biology technicians to join their research team and work with Researchers at the Institute of Aquaculture -
- Prof Simon MacKenzie- https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/257166
- Dr Amaya Albalat- https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/256698
- Dr Benjamin Clokie- https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/902415
The post holders will be focussed on delivering tasks associated with the research projects ‘Planktonic drivers of gill disease in farmed Atlantic salmon: from mechanisms to solutions’ funded by BBSRC and ‘Development of a phage-based shelf-life extension of langoustines – next steps (RD154)’ funded by the Seafood Innovation Fund.
We are seeking two highly skilled and motivated technicians with experience in targeted and untargeted Molecular Biology methods and microbiology to support a number of laboratory aspects within these projects. This project is in collaboration with researchers from other Universities and the ‘Centre for Phage Research’ based at the University of Leicester. The roles will involve using state-of-the-art molecular tools to produce relevant data as determined by the project. The candidates will be expected to carry out tasks independently and will work closely with a team of research scientists.
Description of Duties
- Core molecular tasks to include the extraction of nucleic acids, the development and application of Abs-qPCR assays including cloning, sequencing and assay verification
- Production of 16S and metagenomic libraries and the curation and growth of bacteria using traditional and novel culture techniques
- Assume leadership for specific project tasks and supervise less experienced members of staff and students
- Act as a recognised source of technical expertise to troubleshoot and diagnose any problems or analytical issues as they occur
- Collaborate with researchers based in other academic institutions involved in these projects
- Generate original ideas and innovative solutions through the provision of specialist knowledge and carry out analysis and interpretation of results
- Contribute to reports, presentations and publications
- Monitor equipment activity ensuring all calibrations are conducted to the appropriate schedule, and routine maintenance tasks are completed
- Responsibility for the overall laboratory project management ensuring an acceptable level of consumable stocks and relevant materials necessary for the research project delivery
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
- Educated to Degree level or equivalent (where no formal qualifications are held, additional, relevant experience is required)
Knowledge & Experience
- Solid knowledge in modern molecular and microbiology techniques
- Hands-on experience in Molecular Biology techniques and microbiology assays including working with bacterial isolates, extraction of nucleic acids, development and application of Abs-qPCR assays including cloning, sequencing and assay verification and library preparation for genomic/metagenomic sequencing
- Experience in supporting academic research projects
- Experience in training and supervising students and junior colleagues in laboratory techniques
- Experience in engaging with academic literature and writing of reports
Skills & Attributes
- Ability to organise own and other’s activities to maintain timely provision of results and staff and student training
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work under own direction with minimal supervision on routine laboratory matters
- Ability to confidently engage with colleagues at all levels and to gain the confidence of members of staff and students across the University
- Ability to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, judgement and discretion
- Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Good technical problem-solving skills and an ability to adapt in situations where the outcomes are unexpected or undesirable
- Compliance with H&S legislation
- Accurate record keeping and computer skills
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
- Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
- Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
- Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
- Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
- Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
- Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
- Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
- Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
- Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni
Job Reference: FAC01913
