Research Technician

Newcastle University; Oswestry; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research university in Oswestry is seeking a Research Technician to contribute to cutting-edge invertebrate biomonitoring technologies. The role includes extracting DNA from samples and utilizing bioinformatics tools for data analysis. Ideal candidates should have invertebrate taxonomy skills and be nearing completion of a PhD in relevant fields. This position offers a salary between £35,608 and £37,694 per annum on a part-time basis, alongside competitive benefits and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Excellent pension schemes

Qualifications

• Trained invertebrate taxonomy skills.
• Proven track record in DNA metabarcoding and bioinformatics.
• Experience in community data processing and database management.

Responsibilities

• Extract and prepare DNA from bulk samples for sequencing.
• Process invertebrate DNA sequence data using bioinformatics pipelines.
• Assist in writing reports and manuscripts.

Skills

Invertebrate taxonomy skills

DNA metabarcoding

Scientific publishing

Data analysis

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in biology/ecology/conservation biology (in progress)

Good honours degree in relevant area

Job description

As part of the BBSRC-funded Transformative Research Technologies (24TRT) DETAIL project, we are pursuing early‑stage development of cutting‑edge invertebrate biomonitoring technologies with transformative potential for nationwide surveillance. In collaboration with partners from Lancaster University, the Natural History Museum, London and Fera we are creating an analytical pipeline that integrates high‑throughput DNA sequencing with automated image analysis of invertebrates to accelerate the development of labelled training libraries, with a focus on agricultural entomology. This has the potential to revolutionise biodiversity biomonitoring and the surveillance of pest species. We require a Research Technician to support the work of Prof. Darren Evans (leader of the Network Ecology Group) in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) to undertake DNA metabarcoding of bulk samples to validate mock invertebrate community identification after undergoing automated image analyses. This is a key component of the 'High-Throughput Molecular Labelling to Train Image Classifiers' project and requires bespoke data management and bioinformatics approaches. The Research Technician will play a key part in achieving the following objectives:

Responsibilities

• Extracting DNA from insect bulk samples using advanced metabarcoding techniques and preparing libraries for sequencing using the Newcastle Core Genomics Facility;
• Extracting, demultiplexing and processing invertebrate DNA sequence data using appropriate bioinformatics pipelines;
• Formatting sequencing data for molecular labelling to train image classifiers;
• Contributing ideas and suggestions to the DETAIL workflow, including problem solving;
• Assisting in the preparation and writing of reports and manuscripts as part of the project tasks and milestones.

The Technician will have use of state‑of‑the‑art equipment in the SNES Molecular Diagnostics Facility. With a proven track‑record in the fields of entomology and molecular ecology, relevant invertebrate handling and identification skills, and experience of scientific publishing, the Research Technician will play an intregal role as part of a multi‑disciplinary team that includes data and AI scientists, experimental biologists, ecologists and agricultural entomologists working on real‑world invertebrate biomonitoring schemes. A working knowledge of agricultural entomology and biomonitoring in a contemporary policy context is also required.

Qualifications and experience

• Trained invertebrate taxonomy skills
• Proven track record of invertebrate DNA metabarcoding, sequencing, and bioinformatics processing for identification purposes
• Proven ability to write and publish reports/papers to the highest standards
• Experience of community data processing, analysis and database management
• Working towards or nearing completion of a PhD in biology/ecology/conservation biology
• Knowledge of agricultural entomology, ecosystem services and nationwide biomonitoring and surveillance schemes
• Experience of working with a diverse group of people interested in merging data science and AI with molecular ecology to develop new biomonitoring technologies.
• Good level of analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and through the written word
• Experience of the scientific publishing processes
• Experience of good laboratory practices, SOPs and Health and Safety
• Experience in science communication and public engagement
• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area
• Working towards or nearing completion of PhD in relevant subject/area

Attributes and Behaviour

• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.
• Use initiative and creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, including the development of internal and external contacts with researchers in related areas of study
• Maintain academic standards and freedom, and work in accordance with university policies (e.G. equal opportunities, health and safety policies)
• A commitment to Open Science

Salary and contract

Salary: £35,608.00 - £37,694.00 per annum. This is a fixed‑term appointment (18 months) starting 1st December 2025 (Spine point 24: £33,002 pro rata) and on a part‑time basis. Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.