Research Assistant in Microbiology for Foliar Biostimulants

Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Northumbria University is seeking a highly motivated researcher to support GainsBio: Commercialising Stress-Evolved Microbial Biostimulants. You will work within a multi-disciplinary team to de-risk foliar spray formulations by validating stress-evolved plant growth-promoting bacteria on leaf surfaces.

You will perform microbiology experiments, coordinate with chemistry colleagues, and contribute to data reporting for investors and CRO partners under Dr Emma Riley and Dr Ciarán Kelly.

Qualifications

• MSc or MRes in microbiology/biotechnology required.
• Hands-on experience in microbiology lab methods including aseptic technique, bacterial culture and molecular biology techniques such as PCR.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cell cultures and cell preparations of various bacterial strains for formulation and trial work.
• Coordinate with polymer chemistry team leading the formulation work.
• Test viability of cells in candidate formulations, including after storage and tank mixing.
• Test adherence of cells to plant leaf surfaces.
• Assess performance of candidate formulations on cereals and persistence of strains on the plant over time.
• Support development of polymer carrier formulations compatible with standard farm sprayer equipment.
• Prepare for and support controlled greenhouse trials with cereals in collaboration with the James Hutton Institute.
• Record, analyse and report data suitable for investor/partner audiences and CRO partners.
• Contribute to project reporting against UKRI milestones.

Skills

Microbiology laboratory methods

Aseptic technique

Bacterial culture

PCR

Data handling

Education

MSc or MRes in microbiology or biotechnology

Job description

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will support the Principal Investigators in delivering research activity on GainsBio: Commercialising Stress-Evolved Microbial Biostimulants for UK and Global Markets, including the technical de-risking of a foliar spray product line. The key technical question is whether our stress-evolved plant growth-promoting bacteria strains stay viable and effective when sprayed onto the leaf surface rather than applied as a seed coating. You will be responsible for the microbiology work that helps answer it. Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing cell cultures and cell preparations of various bacterial strains for formulation and trial work, after full training and under the direct supervision of Dr Ciarán Kelly and Dr Emma Riley.
• Coordinating with polymer chemistry team leading the formulation work.
• Testing the viability of cells in candidate formulations, including after storage and tank mixing, to support selection of a prototype formulation.
• Testing adherence of cells to plant leaf surfaces.
• Assessing the performance of candidate formulations on cereals, and the persistence of the strains on the plant over time.
• Supporting the development of polymer carrier formulations compatible with standard farm sprayer equipment and tank-mix programmes.
• Preparing for and supporting controlled greenhouse trials with cereals, run in collaboration with the James Hutton Institute.
• Recording, analysing and reporting data to a standard suitable for investor and partner audiences, including future contract research organisation (CRO) partners.
• Contributing to project reporting against UKRI milestones., This research project is delivered within the School of Geography and Natural Sciences. You will report to and be supervised by Dr Emma Riley, who co-leads the project with Dr Ciarán Kelly. The project works with the James Hutton Institute and leads into international customer discovery work, so you will see your results shape real commercial decisions.

  Applicants should hold an MSc or MRes in microbiology or biotechnology and have demonstrable hands-on experience in microbiology laboratory methods, including aseptic technique, bacterial culture, and various molecular biology techniques such as PCR. You will be organised, careful with data, and comfortable working to a tight timeline.

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's in 2022 and in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more . With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and . Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding a Silver Athena Swan in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, a bronze Race Equality Charter Award and we are a Disability Confident Leader. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.