Assay Development Scientist (12 month Maternity Cover Contract)

Assay Development Scientist – Introduction 

As a someone with experience of development and optimisation of PCR/qPCR assays this is a rare opportunity to gain valuable experience and enhance your CV by working in a science-based SME with a bright future. As a world leader in delivering nature data and intelligence, NatureMetrics is a technology company working at the cutting edge of molecular biodiversity monitoring and bringing high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies to the frontline of environmental management around the world. We have grown rapidly over the last five years and validated our technology in multiple industry sectors and regions. With an exciting scale up plan backed by ambitious and supportive investors, we are now looking for an eDNA Assay Development Scientist to focus on R&D relating to the development and validation of molecular methods to monitor biodiversity, using environmental DNA (eDNA), qPCR, metabarcoding and related technologies. 

Assay Development Scientist – The Role 

• Collaborate with colleagues to facilitate the analysis & delivery of biodiversity data to clients. 
• Develop & implement new assays for biodiversity monitoring, including primer design, evaluation of existing primer sets, PCR/qPCR optimisation & assay validation. 
• Lead the design & execution of projects. 
• Interpret experimental data & generate analysis. 
• Monitor assay performance & troubleshoot client projects/lab processes. 
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify & develop new opportunities. 
• Help identify key current & near-future market opportunities. 
• Contribute to scientific publications & outreach activities. 
• Help prepare grant applications & tenders. 

Assay Development Scientist – About You 

• Minimum of a PhD in a scientific field related to biodiversity, ecology, or biology with a strong molecular focus  
• Experience in development & optimisation of PCR/qPCR assays  
• Bioinformatics skills for in silico assay design & analysis of data from research projects 
• Knowledge & experience of how to validate eDNA assays. 
• Good laboratory skills including DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, & DNA sequencing 
• Able to pick up & apply new methods with minimal guidance. 
• Experience in training other scientists. 
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills. 
• Able to work collaboratively, freely sharing ideas & concepts. 

Assay Development Scientist – Desirable Skills 

• Experience of working with a wide range of environmental DNA sample types. 
• A strong track record of publishing in high-impact journals 
• Experience working at the research/application interface either with businesses or policy makers 

Assay Development Scientist – What Is In It For You 

We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including: 

• Competitive Salary (depending on experience) 
• 25 days holiday excluding bank holidays 
• Company pension 
• Flexible 40-hour week (core hours 10am to 4pm) including 1 hour paid lunch 
• Cycle to Work Scheme, 
• Enhanced family friendly policy 
• Dedicated well-being room 
• Health insurance. 

Assay Development Scientist – How to Apply 

Apply online via the link below and we will get back to you.  

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles. 

At NatureMetrics diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us to the communities we work with. Our values leave no space for stereotypes. We are all unique and pull together for a common purpose.