Higher Scientist in Biomolecular Synthesis and Assembly (x2 posts)

About the Candidate

NPL wishes to appoint two Higher Scientists in Biomolecular Synthesis and Assembly to co-develop the lab’s recently secured Biofoundry contributing to the NPL’s ambition to establish a National Institute in Engineering Biology, Metrology and Standards to supercharge UK EngBio industry.

The post will be integrated within the NPL’s capabilities for Engineering Biology, Metrology, and Standards including Cryo-EM laboratories.

The new recruit will join a multidisciplinary team developing reference materials, methods and innovative tools to address the challenges of reproducibility, traceability, and comparability in Engineering Biology.

In your work at NPL, you will:

- operate and maintain a state-of-the-art facility for DNA synthesis and assembly
- operate, develop, and maintain the facility
- perform research involving the design, synthesis, assembly of DNA
- generate data and prepare technical reports for publications and commercial contracts
- contribute to the delivery of various R&D projects in partnership with industry
- support collaborative initiatives with industry and PSREs in the UK and abroad

With a degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry, you

- are passionate about science and committed to personal development as a scientist
- have a solid knowledge in solid phase chemical synthesis and DNA assembly
- possess practical skills in synthesis, purification, and assembly of biopolymers
- demonstrate a customer focused attitude and a good team working ethos
- are able to plan and perform research following standard operating procedures and health and safety regulations

Advantageous skills include

- experience in molecular cloning, assembly, mass spectrometry and cell free systems
- previous experience working in industry or bio-foundries
- automated, parallel and high-throughput synthesis

There will also be opportunities to develop and harness these skills in the NPL.

For research examples please see:

Hoose, A, et al. Nat Rev Chem; Briones, A. et al iScience; Kepiro, I. et al. ACS Nano; De Santis, E. et al, Nat Commun. 

For industry case studies please see:

https://www.npl.co.uk/case-studies/supporting-the-uk-biotechnology-industry

https://www.npl.co.uk/case-studies/optimising-viral-vaccine-development

https://www.npl.co.uk/case-studies/3d-bio-processor-technology-synthetic-biology

This role is being advertised across multiple salary zones. Offer and salary will be dependent on experience.

Please note that applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

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