Research Scientist

NatureMetrics; Guildford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Scientist to advance biodiversity monitoring using cutting-edge eDNA technologies. This role focuses on generating and analyzing experimental data, contributing to R&D projects, and providing insights from large biodiversity datasets. Join a passionate team dedicated to impactful work in a dynamic environment that values diversity and innovation. This position offers flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional growth, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a difference in biodiversity conservation.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Flexible work arrangements

Opportunities for professional growth

Health insurance

Enhanced annual leave

Cycle to work scheme

Life assurance

Salary sacrifice pension scheme

Qualifications

• Strong background in ecological statistics and data analysis.
• Proficiency in R for ecological analysis and data manipulation.

Responsibilities

• Generate and analyze experimental data for biodiversity monitoring.
• Contribute to R&D project design and execution.
• Perform statistical analysis and data visualization.

Skills

Data Analysis

Ecological Statistics

Bioinformatics

R Programming

DNA Extraction

PCR

Metabarcoding

DNA Sequencing

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

BSc in Biological Sciences

MSc/PhD in related field

Job description

The role

NatureMetrics is a global leader in biodiversity MRV and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, transforming the scale at which nature can be quantified. Our cutting-edge solutions enable organisations to monitor nature impact across sectors, from conservation to industry, and inform sustainability decisions with unprecedented accuracy. With a strong market leading position, NatureMetrics has established a robust client base and developed a proprietary software platform that makes biodiversity insights accessible, actionable, and scalable. As Earthshot Prize Finalists 2024, BloombergNEF Pioneers 2024, and World Economic Forum Technology Pioneers 2024, we have the potential and the opportunity to change the way organizations operate.

As we enter a new phase of rapid global growth, we are seeking a Research Scientist to play a key role in advancing biodiversity monitoring through cutting-edge eDNA data generation and analysis. 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Generating, analysing, and interpreting experimental data to evaluate new technologies for biodiversity, with a particular focus on the repeatable and scalable collection of samples from terrestrial ecosystems for eDNA analysis, including from soil, air, and invertebrate samples.
• Contributing to the design and execution of R&D projects, as identified by the management team in collaboration with our clients and collaborators.
• Performing statistical analysis and data visualisation to extract meaningful insights from eDNA datasets.
• Identifying patterns, trends, and relationships within large biodiversity datasets through careful exploration and analysis.
• Support and mentorship of R&D technicians.
• Facilitating ongoing communication to ensure efficient planning and prioritisation of tasks, being proactive to identify blockers and strive to anticipate team needs.
• Contributing to the preparation of grant applications and tenders where relevant.
• Maintaining accurate records on internal sample tracking systems and electronic laboratory notebook systems to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Provision of SOPs, manuals, training documents, white papers, and other relevant documents across the wider business, communicating findings clearly and concisely, using appropriate language and visualisations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Adhering to laboratory protocols and ensuring compliance with company policies, health and safety standards (e.g., COSHH, risk assessments, and occupational health and safety legal requirements).
• Attend regular update meetings with the wider Science team.
• Update wider company and management on progress as required, tailoring updates to encourage open dialogue across multiple departments.
• Contribute to scientific publications and outreach activities.

Why us?

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.

We're a dynamic team passionate about nature and biodiversity and we take immense pride in our work and our impact. Join us on this journey!

About you

We are looking for a highly analytical and detail-oriented scientist with a strong background in data analysis, ecological statistics, and bioinformatics.

• BSc in Biological Sciences, Molecular Science, Ecology and Conservation, Soil Science, Zoology or a related field (MSc/PhD advantageous but not essential).
• Strong knowledge of eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring and ecological data analysis.
• Proficiency at coding in R for manipulation and exploration of data, and for performing ecological analysis for the development of new metrics.
• Core laboratory skills including DNA extraction, PCR, metabarcoding, and DNA sequencing.
• Able to generate and execute experimental plans, and pick up and apply new methods with minimal guidance.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple projects.
• High level of attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, remaining calm and focused.
• Open to feedback and actively seeks to learn new data analysis methods.

What's in it for you

• Competitive Salary.
• Impactful work with a purpose-driven team.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• Benefits package including salary sacrifice pension scheme prioritising sustainability; life assurance; health insurance; enhanced annual leave; cycle to work scheme; enhanced family friendly policy.