PDRA in Biochemistry

Findauniversity Ltd.; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

SAMS seeks a post-doctoral researcher specializing in algal biotechnology to enhance research capacity through empirical studies. The role involves characterisation of algal strains and expanding biotechnological applications, particularly within the agri- and aquaculture sectors. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a related field, with experience in analytical techniques and a strong collaborative spirit.

Benefits

Flexible & hybrid working options

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing support

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• PhD in Phycology, Algal Biotechnology, or Biochemistry with a focus on biochemistry.
• Experience in algal biotechnology or phycology involving macroalgae and/or microalgae.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical research on algal strains focusing on biochemical characteristics.
• Oversee biochemical phenotype screening and characterisation of algal strains.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to enhance biotechnological applications.

Skills

Analytical Techniques

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in Phycology, Algal Biotechnology, or Biochemistry

Tools

GC-MS

HPLC

Job description

- Location: SAMS, Oban
- Contract Type: Fixed Term - approximately 36 months (funded to 30/09/2028)
- Working Pattern: Full Time (37hrs per week)
- Salary Range: £31,396 - £34,980 per annum
- Closing date: 27th July 2025

The Role:

You will play a key role in advancing algal biotechnology by generating high-quality empirical datasets on the metabolic composition and activity of NERC-UKRI CCAP algal strains.

The successful candidate will contribute to expanding the biotechnological potential of these strains, particularly for applications in the agri- and aquaculture sectors, while enhancing SAMS’ research capacity in metabolomics and natural products. The role will focus on three core activities: overseeing untargeted biochemical phenotype screening across the CCAP collection, conducting full-trait characterisation of key sector-relevant strains within CCAP, and optimising bioassays to identify and quantify bioactivity of selected strains.

This post is central to increasing the biotechnological value of the CCAP holdings and strengthening SAMS’ research profile in this growing field. This work will be part of the Natural Products BioHUB project that we have in partnership with Swansea University (lead partner) and CABI.

See project details here:
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/bioscience/research-and-impact/natural-products-biohub-project/naturalproductsbiohub-project-news-and-events/biohub-blog/2024/the-np-biohub-has-successfully-secured-ukri-funding-for-a-new-interdisciplinary-centre-aimed-at-enhancing-the-local-green-economy.php

You will work under the guidance of Lecturer in Algal Biotechnology/CCAP Manager and Associate Professor of Physiological Ecology.

Ideally, we are looking for the successful candidate to start no later than 1st October 2025.


Our Ideal Candidate:

We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher with a PhD in Phycology, Algal Biotechnology, or Biochemistry, ideally with a strong biochemistry focus.

The ideal candidate will have experience in phycology/algal biotechnology involving either macroalgae and/or microalgae, and a proven ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams. A solid foundation in experimental design and method development in analytical biochemistry and biology is essential.

The successful applicant will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey scientific findings. Experience with analytical techniques such as GC-MS and HPLC is highly desirable and will be considered a significant advantage.


Employee Benefits:

Our relatively small, caring community is an ideal environment for making friends, forming collaborations, and supporting each other to do the work that we really care about. Oban and surrounding areas provide a fantastic base to live and work, and we offer a wide range of employee benefits, support and inclusive culture, making SAMS a great place to work.

Our employees are the heart of our business. Recruiting and retaining the right people is the key to our success. Rewarding our employees is therefore an important component of our employment package and we have a wide range of benefits on offer to staff to support your work and lifestyle.

We are proud to provide a wide variety of benefits year-round, offering options to best support our staff, such as: flexible & hybrid working options, purchase of additional annual leave, shopping discounts, Cycle 2 Work scheme, purchases of technology through salary sacrifice, Payroll Giving, Pensions Plus, access to portals to support health and wellbeing, a sabbatical scheme, free car parking with access to electronic charging points as well as access to a number of training & development courses.

Additionally, SAMS encourages and recognises excellence among staff through various recognition and reward arrangements. We are striving to constantly develop and expand the benefits and offers for our colleagues.


Interested?

We would love to hear from you. If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email these through, in the first instance, to Dr Michael Ross - [e-mail]

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically to [e-mail] quoting Job Ref. ‘D05/25.MR’ in the subject heading.

Closing date for applications is 27th July 2025 - Interviews to be held shortly thereafter.

Please note, we are unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Full details, and guidance on applying, can be found here:
https://www.sams.ac.uk/vacancies/pdra-in-biochemistry-d0525mr/

SAMS’ commitment to gender equality has been recognised, as our institute was presented with an Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Bronze Award and is currently working towards Investors in Diversity accreditation.

SAMS follows Fair Work Practices.

SAMS is a Real Living Wage employer.

SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas.

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