Job Description

Contract type: Fixed Term to end of November 2026

Hours: 37 hours per week

The role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Research Assistant with experience in Molecular Ecology (or molecular microbial ecology or molecular plankton ecology) to work across two interdisciplinary projects designed to better understand the marine biodiversity and ecosystem health of Europe\'s seas and coastlines. The role will involve working with metabarcode datasets and associated datasets to understand marine biodiversity dynamics from long term time series, and comparison of DNA-based and \'traditional\' observation of marine biodiversity. The role will include working with collaborators at the MBA and with partners across Europe, including at the Station Biologique de Roscoff (France) and the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC). The successful candidate will have proven practical knowledge and experience of working with metabarcoding to understand biodiversity including associated bioinformatic and statistical approaches. The ideal candidate will have experience working with marine ecosystems (but not essential). We seek a candidate with a positive and engaged attitude towards writing publications, collaboration and supporting others in the use of metabarcoding.

The MBA is a founding member of the , an endorsed programme of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development that will monitor, research and understand ocean life by analysing biomolecules, including DNA.

The MBA has recently established the Marine Microbiome Centre of Excellence (MMCE). Our Centre will focus on the vast and diverse microscopic world in the marine environment to help understand ocean health and the impacts of climate change. The MMCE facilities includes dedicated environmental DNA/RNA laboratory space along with other new laboratory facilities.

Salary and benefits

• Salary based on experience
• 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• 3 Privilege Days given by the MBA (used during festive closure week)
• Pension scheme - the MBA will contribute 10% of basic salary into a defined contribution scheme with staff making a 3% minimum contribution. The MBA will match additional employee contributions up to an additional 5%.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Subsidised on site canteen with free tea and coffee
• 20-minute paid morning break
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electronic vehicle lease scheme
• Low-cost bookable parking on site

Key responsibilities and skills - see

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and seek talented people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives in order to enhance all that we do.

How to apply

To apply please send a covering letter and CV with details of 2 referees to recruitment@mba.ac.uk via the \'Apply\' button above, (quoting reference 0823PDRARAMC) one of which must be your current employer. References will not be sought in advance. Your covering letter should outline your previous and most relevant experience and explain why you are right for the role. You must state your eligibility to live and work in the UK.

For further information, please contact Michael Cunliffe

Please confirm where you saw the vacancy advertised

Interviews will take place week commencing 16 October 2023

Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK

\xc2\xa330,487 to \xc2\xa332,322 per annum depending on experience. G3

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