Research Officer (BMREX)

Location: Singleton, Swansea

Contract: This is a fixed term position for 24 months starting May or June 2023

Hours of work: 35 hours per week

The Department of Biosciences at Swansea University is seeking to appoint a Research Officer / Postdoctoral Researcher to work on the biodiscovery of novel plastic-degrading enzymes. The postdoctoral project is part of the multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, European project “Biocatalytic membranes for micro/nano plastic degradation within wastewater effluents” (BMRex) funded by the European Innovation Council and Innovate UK and will be carried out at the Marine Microbial Ecology group headed by Associate Professor Eva Sonnenschein at Swansea University.

In your project, you will explore plastic-associated microbial communities and identify novel plastic-degrading enzymes to contribute to the overall aim of BMRex. Your role will involve collection of microbial communities from environmental microplastic, extraction and quality control of environmental DNA and RNA, sequence-based analysis of metagenomes and metatranscriptomes of microbial communities, and bioinformatic analysis for enzyme candidates using e.g. python or R. You will write-up the work for submission to top-tier research journals and help to communicate our work to the public.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of a breakthrough technology for plastic degradation within BMRex, while also providing excellent prospects for professional and personal development. You will work with state-of-the-art technologies including lab automation and collaborate with leading experts in the field, building a strong international network that will enhance your career prospects. Additionally, you will have access to ongoing training opportunities that will allow you to enhance your technical skills and personal development. Our supportive team culture fosters a healthy work-life balance, providing you with the necessary tools to balance your professional obligations with your personal life and well-being.

The successful candidate must possess a PhD Degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or equivalent. They will have experience in molecular laboratory work (e.g. DNA and RNA extraction) and bioinformatic analysis. They will have experience in conducting independent research of publishable quality, and ideally are able to program e.g. in python or R.

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all of its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

We have an under-representation of women in the area of research and would particularly welcome applications from women for this position. We also have an under representation of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and would encourage applications from these groups. Appointments will always be made on merit.

• Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Eva Sonnenschein c.sonnenschein@swansea.ac.uk

Advert information