Senior R&D Scientist

Senior R&D Scientist – Introduction 

As a someone with a PhD in a Science subject and experience of conducting field surveys for the collection of samples for eDNA analysis across a range of different habitats this is an incredible opportunity to join 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 recruiting a Senior Product Scientist to be involved in R&D covering the development and validation of methods to monitor biodiversity, using environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and related technologies. 

Senior R&D Scientist – The Role 

• Collaborate with colleagues to facilitate the collection of samples for eDNA analysis & delivery of data to clients. 
• Develop & validate products to monitor biodiversity, using environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding & related technologies. 
• Provide scientific & technical support to develop our core offering of repeatable, standardised products. 
• Ensure R&D projects are delivered on time, on budget & are aligned with developing products that have a strong market fit. 
• Ensure developed products are able to provide recognised revenue after launch. 
• Line manage a small team of scientists & R&D technicians 
• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications/tenders. 
• Use COSHH and risk assessments, in compliance with company procedures & HSE legal requirements. 
• Contribute to scientific publications/outreach activities. 

Senior R&D Scientist – About You 

• Ideally a PhD in a scientific field related to biodiversity, ecology, or biology. 
• Experience conducting field surveys for collection of samples for eDNA analysis across a range of different habitats. 
• Knowledge of the advantages/limitations of DNA-based monitoring. 
• Strong laboratory skills including DNA extraction, PCR, metabarcoding & DNA sequencing. 
• Familiar with working into agile methodology, scrum or similar 
• Able to pick up & apply new methods with minimal guidance. 
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills. 
• Able to work collaboratively, freely sharing ideas & concepts. 

Senior R&D Scientist – Desirable Skills 

• Experience in training other scientists. 
• Experience of working in a commercial environment. 

Senior R&D 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. 

This is a Hybrid working position. Full JD available below.

Senior R&D 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. 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

CONTEXT OF ROLE  

NatureMetrics is a high growth start-up, leading the revolution in molecular biodiversity monitoring. We enable environmental managers to measure and monitor biodiversity with DNA-based tools. NatureMetrics has grown rapidly over the last five years and validated our technology in multiple industry sectors and regions of the World. We now have an exciting scale up plan backed by ambitious and supportive investors, with a mandate to ‘bring nature into the boardroom;’ helping companies understand their impact on biodiversity and the benefits of protecting it. We are a team of bright, enthusiastic individuals who are excited to be breaking new ground and disrupting the world of biodiversity monitoring. We take great pride in our work and are seeking new team members who will do the same.   

MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB  

The position will focus on R&D relating to the development and validation of methods to monitor biodiversity, using environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and related technologies. The role will centre on providing scientific and technical support to develop our core offering of repeatable, standardised products. Reporting to the R&D lead, the successful candidate will work closely with other members of the R&D, Products, & Data teams facilitating the collection of samples for eDNA analysis, processing of samples and delivery of data to our clients. 

The Senior R&D Scientist will ensure that R&D projects are delivered on time, on budget and are aligned with developing products that have a strong market fit, quickly leading to recognised revenue after product launch. You will have in-depth knowledge of the use of eDNA for biodiversity monitoring, as well an excellent understanding of the key opportunities and limitations associated with traditional ecological monitoring. The ideal candidate will have experience in metabarcoding for the purpose of biomonitoring but will be supported by a team of molecular biologists, ecologists, and data scientists. Applicants should have significant experience of molecular laboratory work and enjoy working in a dynamic, collaborative, team environment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES  

• The primary focus of this role will be the development and scientific validation of products to monitor biodiversity, using environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and related technologies 
• Engage closely with the Products and Business Development teams to identify key current and near-future market opportunities for the application of eDNA approaches to solve biodiversity challenges, with a particular focus on collection of samples for delivery of the maximum amount of high quality data generated in the shortest amount of time 
• Evaluate new technologies for biodiversity, with a particular focus on the repeatable and scalable collection of samples from marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems for eDNA analysis 
• Collaborate with the customer success team to carry out R&D projects aimed at optimising and trouble-shooting current methods for collection of samples in the field without compromising the quality of our science 
• Lead the design and execution of R&D projects with both internal and external stakeholders, on time and on budget, taking responsibility for the generation, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data, as well as financial and scientific reporting 
• Line management of a small team of scientists and R&D technicians 
• Facilitate ongoing communication to ensure efficient planning and prioritisation of tasks, being proactive to identify blockers and strive to anticipate team needs 
• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and tenders where relevant 
• Keep detailed laboratory notes following our standard procedures 
• Follow internal protocols for sample tracking & documentation 
• Provision of SOPs, manuals, training documents, white papers and other relevant documents across the wider business 
• Engage with the Operations and Products teams to provide scientific support for the incorporation of products into the product catalogue 
• Use COSHH and risk assessments, in compliance with company procedures and HSE legal requirements 
• Attend regular update meetings with the wider Science team. 
• Update wider company and management on progress as required. 
• Contribute to scientific publications and outreach activities 
• This role reports to the R&D Lead 

PERSON SPECIFICATION    

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE  

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as biological sciences, environment or ecology. Equivalent experience will also be considered. 
• Experience conducting field surveys for collection of samples for eDNA analysis across a range of different habitats 
• Knowledge of the advantages and limitations of DNA-based monitoring 
• Core laboratory skills inc. DNA extraction, PCR, metabarcoding, and DNA sequencing 
• Able to write standard operating procedures, white papers, scientific publications and other technical documents 
• Able to pick up and apply new methods with minimal guidance 
• Able to generate and execute experimental plans 
• Able to effectively track and maintain the expected timelines of multiple ongoing projects 
• Adept at working into agile methodology, scrum or similar. 
• Experience in line management is desirable 
• Business experience ideal or strong desire to learn commercial skills 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES  

• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills   
• Excellent organisational and time management skills   
• An outstanding team player who is able to work effectively even when things get busy and remain calm under pressure  
• Very organised with excellent attention to detail 

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. 
  

NATUREMETRICS VALUES  

NatureMetrics Values are Transparency, Excellence, Advancement, Collaboration and Honesty. These values should be embedded in your work and behaviour, and any associated policies and processes adopted consistently.    

This document sets out key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks and duties. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to reasonably vary the responsibilities from time to time depending on the needs of the organisation without changing the level of the role.