Molecular Biology Specialist, Air-seq

Job Description

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced PhD level scientist focusing on developing novel molecular biology and lab processes to characterise species, focussing on microbes in the air. Working within the team of Professor Matt Clark (Clark Group), a multi-disciplinary group specialising in combining molecular biology, genomics, and computational biology, the role will focus on new technology development, tackling biological problems that were previously seen as intractable.

Air-seq is a novel, near real time air-sequencing technology developed by Research Leaders at the Natural History Museum and the Earlham Institute. We’re offering an exciting opportunity for getting involved in the early stages of an applied science project alongside the NHM’s Innovation Unit, developing the technology further and conducting key commercially relevant pilot studies. Essential criteria include a track record in technology development, experience with nucleic acid extraction method, (especially recovering DNA & RNA from a variety of environmental samples) and PCR, along with a proven track record of presenting research to internal and external audiences, preparing reports and/or manuscripts. Knowledge of WGA/isothermal amplification, CRISPR, single cell transcriptomics and nanopore sequencing technology and experience with bioinformatics, UNIX/LINUX, HPC (job schedulers) are desirable.

This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research, collaborate with leading institutions, and drive the development of a novel air sequencing technology with applications in academia and a potential new venture. If you are a driven molecular biologist with a passion for cutting-edge technology, we invite you to be a key player in this exciting opportunity

About you

1. Bachelor or Masters Degree in a science, PhD in a non-theoretical science.
2. Experience with developing molecular biology protocols
3. Experience with PCR and/or isothermal amplification technologies.
4. Experience extracting DNA and/or RNA from challenging samples
5. Experience with next generation sequencing and analysis
6. Experience with producing written reports, manuscripts and/or patents.
7. Experience of working as a team, training, and supervising laboratory staff
8. Experience of generating and teaching molecular biology SOPs
9. Excellent presentation, communication, and scientific writing skills.

About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website.

Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things.

We employ 900 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.

Diversity and inclusion matter to us.

Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.

We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.

Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.

Find out more here

What we offer

• 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
• Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
• Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
• Life insurance
• Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
• Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
• We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
• Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures. For more details, visit https://www.cssc.co.uk
• Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi