Scientists in Engineered Cell Synthesis

NPL wishes to appoint two Higher Scientists in Engineered Cell Synthesis to support the lab’s initiative to establish a National capability in Engineering Biology. The posts will be integrated within the NPL’s Centre for Engineering Biology, Metrology, and Standards and Cryo-EM laboratories.

The centre is a multidisciplinary team developing innovative tools, materials, and reference standards to address the challenges of reproducibility, traceability, and comparability in Engineering Biology.

In your work at NPL, you will:

With a degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry, you:

• are passionate about science and committed to personal development as a scientist
• have a solid knowledge in systems biophysics, biodesign, or synthetic biology
• possess practical skills in molecular cloning, assembly or cell culture
• demonstrate a customer focused attitude and a good team working ethos
• are able to plan and perform research following standard operating procedures and health and safety regulations

  Advantageous skills include

• experience in electron microscopy, machine learning, microfluidics
• previous experience working in commercial companies or bio-foundries
• experience in bioprocessing, automated and high-throughput DNA analysis

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

For research examples please see:

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

Offer and salary will be dependent on experience.

Please note that 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.

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 hold memberships 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.