Staff Scientist (Environmental DNA) (Full Time)
Closing date: Friday 31st January 2025
| Job Title: | Staff Scientist (Environmental DNA) |
|
Location: |
Eden Business Park, Braddan, Isle of Man |
| Salary: | £42,000 - £46,000 dependent on skills and experience |
| Contract type: | Full-time, Permanent |
Job Overview
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced scientist, specialising in environmental DNA (eDNA) to join our small laboratory. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of biodiversity monitoring, conservation biology, and environmental assessment through the application of eDNA technologies. The ideal candidate will have expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and ecological research, with a drive for solving real-world applied environmental challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Research and Development: Design, optimise and validate species-specific qPCR assays for eDNA detection. Optimisation of short-read and long-read metabarcoding assays for improved species detection. Continuous development and improvement of eDNA sampling protocols and devices.
- Data Analysis: Perform bioinformatics analysis of metabarcoding data, including taxonomic assignment, diversity metrics and ecological interpretation, depending on customer requirements. Calling results and interpretation of qPCR data.
- Project Management: Define and lead both internal and customer projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and reports within budget.
- Collaboration: Work with internal colleagues, external partners, customers and stakeholders to integrate eDNA methods into broader environmental monitoring programs. Identification and scoping of new business opportunities.
- Publications and Presentations: Disseminate research findings through scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations at conferences.
- Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards of laboratory practice, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety guidelines.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with the customer services staff and junior laboratory staff, to ensure seamless customer experiences. Provide guidance and training to junior team members to support their development.
- Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas to improve processes, marketing opportunities, new products, and to enhance customer satisfaction.
Key Skills and Qualifications
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Essential
- PhD in molecular ecology, or a related field, with significant eDNA experience.
- Expertise in molecular techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and next-generation sequencing methods (both short-read and long-read)
- Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and software for analysing eDNA (e.g. R or Python)
- Strong understanding of ecological principles and biodiversity assessment
- Excellent problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills
- Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals
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Desirable
- Experience with field sampling of aquatic and/or terrestrial environments
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and applications of eDNA
- Knowledge of statistical methods for biodiversity and ecological data analysis
- Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement
What we offer
- A competitive salary
- 25 days holiday per year plus public holidays
- Time off in lieu / flexitime
- Free staff parking
The Isle of Man
Do you fancy working in the only whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere? The Isle of Man is one of the safest places to live in the world with salary advantages as a low-tax jurisdiction. Find out more at https://www.locate.im.
How to apply
If you are looking for a permanent scientific role with significant opportunity to shape the eDNA offering of a growing company we would like to hear from you. Please send your CV (including publications) and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to careers@taxagenomics.com. Closing date: Friday, 31st January 2025.