Senior Scientific Assistant (12 month fixed-term contract)

PLEASE NOTE - THIS ROLE IS INTERNAL ONLY

We are looking for a Scientific Associate to join our team of experienced scientists and assist with all aspects of construct development and characterisation of gene-edited plant material for plant product development.

You will carry out essential general molecular biology tasks, such as; the generation and interpretation of gene editing vectors, gene editing analysis, and gene expression data analysis in a timely and accurate manner for our Crop Biotechnology clients, under close supervision and direction from our team of expert scientists.

The role requires a strong understanding of molecular biology concepts and an ability and willingness to learn new wet-lab and in-silico techniques and processes. Competency in performing math calculations for molecular biology is critical. The post also requires meeting our internal specifications and standards to provide a high-quality service to our internal customers.

Responsibilities

• Strict adherence to rigorous instructions, either verbally directed or from workflows and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).


• Where relevant and agreed with the line manager, authoring and revision of SOPs and ownership of some Molecular Biology processes (such as; specific Banana and/or Rice pipelines) 


• Maintaining strong QC and assurance practices, including traceable laboratory records and databases.


• Supporting maintenance of relevant laboratory stocks.


• Programming and supervision of liquid handlers for automated and semi-automated processes.


• Freeze-drying of plant material.


• Independently performing key molecular biology tasks such as nucleic acid extraction and QC from different types of tissue, PCR/qPCR assay design, next generation/Sanger sequencing, vector design and assembly


• At the discretion of the line manager, supporting key genotyping, gene expression and cloning tasks.


• With the support of the line manager, formally reporting relevant scientific findings and technical updates to our stakeholders in a clear, precise, and concise manner.


• Experimental planning and technical troubleshooting of their own work before lab activities and review by the line manager.


• With the support of the line manager, training of colleagues and new joiners on established processes and pipelines.

Requirements

Core Competencies

• Enthusiasm for expanding technical skills, learn new wet-lab and in silico techniques and processes and a genuine interest in Tropic's research.


• A hands-on mindset and an excellent team player with professional, effective communication.


• Strong attention to detail and excellent organization.


• Goal-orientated time management.


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while consistently maintaining a professional attitude.


• Proven ability to follow protocols and maintain detailed records to a high standard.


• An aptitude for thinking critically and troubleshooting relevant technical issues


•  An aptitude for multitasking, prioritizing their own tasks and working independently while maintaining accurate time management and high standards.


• Ability to demonstrate subject-matter knowledge in relation to Molecular Biology techniques and relevant technologies.


• Technical Competencies
  


• Msc, or equivalent, in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or a related scientific field and at least 1-year Molecular Biology experience in a professional environment.


• Strong knowledge of nucleic acid isolation, QC and amplification methods


• Strong cloning knowledge for plasmid assembly and QC methods


• General knowledge of qPCR and gene expression analysis (such as relative expression)


• Proficient with the use of Molecular Biology software and online tools.


• General knowledge of bacteria transformation methods


• General knowledge of general sequencing methods.


• General understanding of gene maps, their annotation and navigation.


• General experimental design planning and troubleshooting of Molecular Biology applications (such as PCR/qPCR amplification, next generation/Sanger sequencing, plasmid assembly).


• Basic knowledge of best practices for experiment and assay design.


• Strong competency to perform mathematics calculations for molecular biology.