PDRA in Biochemistry

Location: SAMS, Oban

Contract type: Fixed Term - approximately 36 months (funded to 30/09/2028)

Working pattern: Full time (37 hours per week)

The role

You will play a key role in advancing algal biotechnology by generating high-quality empirical datasets on the metabolic composition and activity of NERC-UKRI CCAP algal strains.

The successful candidate will contribute to expanding the biotechnological potential of these strains, particularly for applications in the agri- and aquaculture sectors, while enhancing SAMS’ research capacity in metabolomics and natural products. The role will focus on three core activities: overseeing untargeted biochemical phenotype screening across the CCAP collection, conducting full-trait characterisation of key sector-relevant strains within CCAP, and optimising bioassays to identify and quantify bioactivity of selected strains.

This post is central to increasing the biotechnological value of the CCAP holdings and strengthening SAMS’ research profile in this growing field. This work will be part of the Natural Products BioHUB project that we have in partnership with Swansea University (lead partner) and CABI.

See project details here.

You will work under the guidance of Lecturer in Algal Biotechnology/CCAP Manager and Associate Professor of Physiological Ecology.

Ideally, we are looking for the successful candidate to start no later than 1^st October 2025.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher with a PhD in Phycology, Algal Biotechnology, or Biochemistry, ideally with a strong biochemistry focus.

The ideal candidate will have experience in phycology/algal biotechnology involving either macroalgae and/or microalgae, and a proven ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams. A solid foundation in experimental design and method development in analytical biochemistry and biology is essential, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills.

Experience with analytical techniques such as GC-MS and HPLC is highly desirable and will be considered a significant advantage.

Employee Benefits

We are proud to provide a wide variety of benefits, such as: flexible & hybrid working options, purchase of additional annual leave, shopping discounts, Cycle 2 Work scheme, purchases of technology through salary sacrifice, Payroll Giving, Pensions Plus, access to portals to support health and wellbeing, a sabbatical scheme,  free car parking with access to electronic charging points as well as access to a number of training & development courses.

Interested?

If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email these through, in the first instance, to michael.ross@sams.ac.uk

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent to recruitment@sams.ac.uk quoting Job Ref. ‘D05/25.MR’ in the subject heading.

Closing date for applications is 27^th July 2025.

Please note, we are unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Full details can be found here: www.sams.ac.uk/vacancies

SAMS’ commitment to gender equality has been recognised, as our institute was presented with an Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Bronze Award and is currently working towards Investors in Diversity accreditation.

SAMS follows Fair Work Practices.

SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas.

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