Research And Development Associate 3

Carbon 60; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Carbon 60 seeks a Research and Development Associate in Bracknell for a 24-month contract, focusing on invertebrate genetics and insecticide discovery using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. You will deploy molecular-genetic tools to support the pipeline and validate targets through spatial and temporal gene modulation.

The role combines lab-based experimentation with data communication to stakeholders, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards while contributing to the lab’s

Qualifications

• Experience in a lab-based role is essential.
• Desirable: experience working with Drosophila melanogaster.
• Desirable: knowledge of molecular genetics techniques (e.g. Gal4/UAS) and related approaches.

Responsibilities

• Work with project lead to evaluate and deploy molecular-genetic technologies enabling spatial and temporal modulation of putative insecticide targets.
• Execute studies supporting insecticide projects and programmes.
• Develop awareness of key project strategic goals.
• Communicate experimental outcomes to stakeholders.
• Maintain high standards of HSE compliance and risk assessments.
• Assist with maintaining and enhancing the invertebrate molecular laboratory.
• Assist with routine stock maintenance and compound screening activities.
• Solve scientific problems and produce high-quality data using proven methodologies.
• Document experiments and results, contributing to reports and proposing follow-up actions.

Skills

Lab-based experience

Drosophila melanogaster

Molecular genetics techniques

Education

Degree in a relevant science

Tools

Gal4/UAS system

Job description

Job Title: Research and Development Associate

Location: Bracknell

Contract Length: 24 months

Pay Rate: £17.17 per hour

About the Role

The Invertebrate Genetics team within Bioscience conducts critical research to support the development and understanding of novel insecticides. We are seeking a lab-based Scientist to work with the model species Drosophila melanogaster, deploying molecular genetic tools to support our insecticide discovery pipeline.

A key focus of this role will be enhancing the team's ability to genetically validate potential insecticide targets - initially through evaluating genetic tools for spatial and temporal modulation of these targets, with the longer-term objective of developing and deploying such tools in non-model agricultural pests. A genuine enthusiasm for, and ability to work beyond, the model species is essential.

You will join an Invertebrate Genetics team using molecular genetic approaches to support target-led insecticide discovery strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the project lead to evaluate and deploy molecular-genetic technologies enabling spatial and temporal modulation of putative insecticide targets
• Execute studies supporting insecticide projects and programmes
• Develop awareness of key project strategic goals
• Communicate experimental outcomes to stakeholders
• Maintain high standards of HSE compliance, including adherence to risk assessments, reporting safety incidents, and supporting the lab steward community when required
• Assist with maintaining and enhancing the invertebrate molecular laboratory, adapting to business priorities
• Assist with routine stock maintenance and compound screening activities
• Solve scientific problems and produce high-quality data using proven methodologies to address business challenges
• Document experiments and results, contributing to reports and proposing follow-up actions

Requirements

• Degree in a relevant science discipline, with an appropriate technical science background
• Essential: experience in a lab-based role
• Desirable: experience working with Drosophila melanogaster
• Desirable: knowledge/experience of molecular genetic techniques (e.g. Gal4/UAS, targeted protein degradation approaches)
• Excellent note-keeping and organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills