Research Scientist - Synthetic Biology

Role Purpose:
• Work alongside the Synthetic Biology team to engineer strains for the production of active ingredients for use in crop protection
• Plans and carries out work programs to address project challenges with guidance from team, science and/or project leads and other group members
Your roles and responsibilities would involve:
• Plan and execute work programmes to deliver for projects, by combining personal expertise, in house knowledge and literature searching to identify best approach
• Documents experimental procedures and data using agreed (good practice) principles and produces with guidance reports for key stakeholders to help in decision making for projects
• Collaborative working to achieve project deliverables
• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and effective environment by setting high personal standards, monitoring and advising other staff on agreed HSE standards
Knowledge, experience & capabilities
• A PhD in molecular biology, genetics, natural products research, or a related field, or a BSc plus 2-4 years hands-on experience in molecular biology & genetics, metabolic engineering, or a related field
• An understanding of microbial secondary metabolism, with knowledge of engineering microbes to alter metabolism
• Experience in molecular biology techniques
• Knowledge of next generation sequencing techniques
• Experience in the development of genetic tools and methods to enable metabolic engineering
• An interest and awareness of the developing field of Synthetic Biology and its applicability to chemical production
Biologicals Research: Biological based technologies are expected to deliver a significant contribution to the future of agriculture alongside conventional technologies. Microbials and biomolecules will play a pivotal role in the development of these novel biological products for growers. Our new team, which is made up from talented scientists from both industry and academia, is growing and we have a new position within our Synthetic Biology team. The role will focus on the development and application of modern biotechnology processes for the characterization and engineering of microbes for the production of these next generation crop protection products.
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.