Scientist

National Physical Laboratory; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking Scientists in Living Systems Engineering to support the UK Reference Biofoundry. You will join a multidisciplinary team developing reference materials, methods and datasets to improve reproducibility and traceability in Engineering Biology.

Applicants should have a science-related degree with solid research experience, and be able to work independently as well as in a team.

Qualifications

• Solid knowledge in synthetic biology, bioprocessing or cell-free systems.
• Practical skills: molecular cloning, assembly or synthetic cells.
• Customer-focused attitude and good team ethos.
• Work following SOPs and health and safety regulations.
• Desirable: experience in biophysics, mass-spectrometry, microscopy or systems biology.

Responsibilities

• Experiment with living measurement systems and maintain biofoundry operations.
• Collaborate on EngBio processes and applications.
• Generate data and prepare technical reports for publications and contracts.
• Contribute to delivery of R&D projects in the UK and internationally.

Skills

Synthetic biology

Bioprocessing

Cell-free systems

Molecular cloning

Team collaboration

SOP compliance

Health & safety

Education

Science-related degree

Degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Tools

Automation in synthesis

Laboratory automation

Job description

About the Role

NPL wishes to appoint Scientists in Living Systems Engineering to support the UK Reference Biofoundry. The post will be integrated within the NPL's research programme and capabilities for Engineering Biology, Metrology, and Standards including Cryo-EM laboratories.

You will join a multidisciplinary team developing reference materials, methods and datasets to address the challenges of reproducibility, traceability, and comparability in Engineering Biology.

In your work at NPL, you will:

• experiment with living measurement systems (cells, protocells, virus-like particles)
• - operate, develop, and maintain the biofoundry for living measurement systems
• perform collaborative research involving EngBio processes and applications
• generate data and prepare technical reports for publications and commercial contracts
• contribute to the delivery of collaborative R&D projects in the UK and internationally

About You

With a science-related degree, you have a solid background in research, able to work alone as well as part of a team.

You need to have experience of planning and delivering tried and tested research methods, as well as having the potential to explore new ideas yourself. Beyond that, we're looking for someone who'll thrive in an environment like ours.

At NPL we learn from each other, respect each other and work together to do better. For ourselves and for our customers. And whilst we're always looking to stretch beyond what we know, we don't make things more complicated when there's no need.

With a degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry, you

• have a solid knowledge in synthetic biology, bioprocessing or cell-free systems
• possess practical skills in molecular cloning, assembly or synthetic cells
• demonstrate a customer focused attitude and a good team working ethos
• work following standard operating procedures and health and safety regulations
• Advantageous skills include experience
• in biophysics, mass-spectrometry, microscopy or systems biology
• working in commercial companies or bio-foundries
• in automated and high-throughput synthesis or analysis

There will also be opportunities to develop and harness these skills in the NPL.

For research examples please see:

Boeuf, A. et al. Nat Phys; Dondi, C., et al Nat Commun; Hoose, A, et al. Nat Rev Chem; Briones, A. et al iScience; Kepiro, I. et al. ACS Nano; De Santis, E. et al, Nat Commun

For industry case studies please see:

https://www.npl.co.uk/case-studies/supporting-the-uk-biotechnology-industry

https://www.npl.co.uk/case-studies/optimising-viral-vaccine-development

https://www.npl.co.uk/case-studies/3d-bio-processor-technology-synthetic-biology

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people.We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we holdmemberships and accreditations to ensure we're creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we're always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.