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The University of Birmingham is seeking a highly motivated and skilled research assistant to develop and potentially commercialise a new type of biosensor. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a passion for scientific research and innovation to work at one of the UK’s leading institutions in science and technology.
The role
This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits. UoB is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. If you are interested in this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and describing your fit to this position.
- Research, develop and optimize a new type of biosensor.
- Design and perform experiments to evaluate the performance of the biosensor.
- Collaborate with other researchers in the team to analyse and interpret data.
- Identify potential applications and commercialisation opportunities for the biosensor.
- Prepare technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to writing scientific papers and patent applications.
What you'll do
The position is highly interdisciplinary and will involve collaborating with several different research groups, and doing practical research in biochemistry labs, optics labs, and in a cleanroom. We expect the successful candidate to be the bridge between these different research groups and, therefore, they must be an excellent communicator. In addition, the following duties are likely:
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
- Device fabrication in biochemistry labs
- Device characterisation using a variety of techniques
- Analyse research data as directed
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
- Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
- Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
About you
Candidates with the following minimum profile will be considered:
- A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering or related fields. A Master's degree is a plus.
- Experience in data analysis and interpretation using software such as MATLAB or Python.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Willing to learn interdisciplinary laboratory skills (photonics, biofunctionalization, nanofabrication)
- Ability to access and organise resources successfully
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
In addition, the successful candidate would also have
- An interest in commercialising new technologies
- Good leadership skills
- Knowledge of the principles of biosensors and bioanalytical techniques.
- Knowledge of optics
- Knowledge of micro and nanofabrication techniques.
- Familiar with common laboratory techniques, including functionalising surfaces with DNA.
