Industrial Post-Doctoral Researcher Assay Development

Job Description

Industrial Post-Doctoral Researcher (Assay Development) - Fluorescent Tags (F-Tags )Location: Godmanchester, CambridgeshireSalary: Circa £38k + (Flexibility for the right candidate)Fixed Term Contract: 18 Months The benefits package includes: 27 days holiday plus bank holidays, plus a day off work for employees on their birthday. In addition, they offer paid time off work to undertake voluntary and charity support work, private health and dental care, lifeassurance, income protection insurance, Employee Assistance Programme and pension scheme. The company also operates a flexi-time scheme and opportunities to work from home.The Client:The company are a leading firm who provides complementary expertise and knowledge to accelerate the translation of research into products. Our client has an interest in a huge range of novel technologies and actively works with partners to develop the potentialfor these technologies into marketable solutions.The Role:To accelerate the development of the companys novel fluorescent tags (F-Tags) by developing microplate assays to simulate real world biomedical applications and using them to evaluate the performance of their F-Tags. You will be working as part of an interdisciplinaryteam that includes chemists, physicists and biochemists.Key Result Areas:

• Surface immobilisation of biomolecules for the development of microplate assays.
• Use of assays to evaluate performance of novel bio-functionalised fluorescent nanoparticles.
• Effectively communicating with all team members and the wider organisation to distribute results, discuss problems, and provide next-step recommendations to progress the project.
• Accurate recording of all practical work to ensure that new Intellectual Property (IP) is appropriately documented.

Main Activities:

• Developing and optimising surface chemistry in microplate assays, including immobilisation of biomolecules to the surface, for the evaluation of novel bio-functionalised fluorescent nanoparticles for end-use applications, critically analysing and reportingresults, identifying trends and anomalies.
• Developing surface chemistry to immobilise high density arrays of DNA.
• Supporting material development of novel fluorescent nanoparticles by carrying out assay work
• using established protocols, providing timely feedback on performance.
• Assisting in identifying and contacting external experts to accelerate progress and evaluate new proposals.
• Initiation, delivery and documentation of high-quality studies and mini projects based on sound scientific hypotheses to achieve R&D targets.
• Compilating results in a timely and accurate manner, in the required format (written, verbal, formal presentation).
• Presentation of data in one-to-one discussions, team meetings and at wider company discussion forums.
• Providing a creative contribution to ideations, studies and project meeting discussions.
• Effectively communicating with biologists, chemists, physicists and project leaders, as well as external collaborators.
• Identification of IP, filing of invention disclosures, and providing feedback to ensure high quality patent applications.
• Ensuring that health and safety standards are being met and maintained. Working safely within the laboratory environment; carrying out COSHH and risk assessments of processes.
• Maintenance of a tidy and efficient laboratory environment for all laboratory users. Performing functional duties as required.

Key Working Relationships:

• Line manager: Discussing current and future work programmes, and for professional development support.
• Members of fluorescent tags team: Communicating, challenging, and discussing scientific theories and the progress of studies and projects.
• Discussing and reviewing results. Assisting in troubleshooting the work of other biologists within the team.

Skills and Experience:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biological Chemistry, Surface Chemistry or a related field, or a degree with equivalent relevant work experience gained in an industrial or academic environment.
• Experience of surface immobilisation of biomolecules is a key requirement for the role

Additional experience in one or more of the following areas would be highly desirable:

• Understanding of oligonucleotide immobilisation techniques
• Surface characterisation techniques
• Fluorescence based assays
• Surface functionalisation of nanoparticles
• Programming experience in python or MATLAB for automation of data analysis.

In addition, the following personal attributes are required:

• Self-motivated with the ability to operate independently.
• Strong organisational skills, good time management and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and influencing skills across scientific disciplines.
• A clear and succinct communicator of complex technical information to management and nonscientific colleagues.
• Curiosity, and the ability to acquire new skills and areas of expertise.
• Creative and inventive with excellent problem-solving capabilities, in combination with a willingness to seek expert assistance and peer advice when required.
• An ability to develop hypotheses, draw conclusions and make sound recommendations with clear justifications.
• An ability to plan, prioritise and work independently and in collaboration with others.
• An ability to respond to the rapid changing needs and priorities of a dynamic research environment.
• Able to work on own initiative, demonstrate a proactive approach to work and the ability to exercise sound decision making and judgement.
• Excellent written communication skills with a demonstrability ability to show clarity of message.
• Ability to demonstrate accuracy and strong attention to detail..

Where appropriate, our client will also cover the costs of visa sponsorship and provide relocation support. Important Information: We endeavour to process your personal data in

Keyskills :
BiologyScientificPhDResearcherPost Doctoral