Job description & person
specification
Last updated:
22 December 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Fellow in Molecular Biology / Environmental Microbiology – Marine
Sensors
Post number:
513986101
Academic Unit/Service:
Ocean & Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Career pathway:
ERE*
*ERE category:
Research focused
Posts responsible to:
Senior Lecturer in SOES
Posts responsible for:
N/A
Post base:
Office-based/Non Office-based (see job hazard analysis)
Level:
4
Job purpose
To undertake research and development in molecular analytics, as part of a team of scientists
and engineers ultimately working towards long-term shared goals in the development of
innovative deployable biosensors.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
Develop, test and optimise molecular assays and instrumentation with
50%
environmental samples; to develop best practices in environmental molecular
microbiology and analytics
2.
Publish proof-of-concept results and the results of scientific applications of
these assays
20%
3.
Report data to colleagues and funding bodies via scientific conferences and
project updates
10%
4.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of project plans; Work as
part of a team by providing training, engineering, fieldwork and
administrative support
10%
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
5.
Train/supervise new students and colleagues on molecular analytics
5%
6.
Assist with maintaining labs, equipment, supplies and infrastructure in the
group
5%
Internal and external relationships (including nature and purpose of relationships)
Principal Investigator (PI): the PDRA will receive guidance from the PI on their research, and
collaborate with the PI on the investigation.
PDRA will collaborate with other institutions (Plymouth Marine Lab, Sir Alister Hardy Foundation
for Ocean Science, University of Exeter, Center for Ecology and Hydrology, Center for
Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) to reach project goals, under the PI’s guidance.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications,
knowledge &
experience
PhD or equivalent
Application/Documentation/References
professional qualifications
and experience in
Microbiology -ORDetailed understanding,
knowledge of and
experience using
molecular biological
Experience in field
CV/Publications/Interview
techniques
sampling and
environmental
Experience with at least 3 microbiology
bioanalytical methods
(e.g. qPCR, functional
CV/Publications/Interview
Experience with
genomics, probe
fluidics / development
development, etc.).
of technologies
Knowledge of
metagenomic
sequence analysis
Planning &
organising
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CV/Publications/Interview
Able to organise own
research activities to
deadline and quality
standards
References
Ability to manage own
work schedule
References
Problem solving Able to develop
& initiative
understanding of complex
scientific and engineering
challenges and to be
proactive and resourceful
in finding solutions
Management &
teamwork
How to be assessed
References/CV/Interview
Able to develop original
techniques/methods
References/CV/Interview
Work effectively in a team,
understanding the
References/CV/Interview
2
strengths and weaknesses
of others to achieve
shared goals
Able to train, mentor and
supervise work of junior
research staff, delegating
effectively
Communicating Good written and oral
& influencing
skills
Able to present research
results clearly to an
audience of peers
Able to write up research
results for publication in
leading peer-viewed
journals
References/CV/Interview
CV/Interview
CV/Interview
CV
Work proactively and
collaboratively to achieve
defined outcomes
CV/References
Ability to diffuse and
resolve conflict
References/Interview
Able to effectively
CV/Interview/References
communicate science
requirements to
engineers, and to
develop/ troubleshoot
novel scientific
solutions to
engineers’ challenges
Other skills &
behaviours
Special
requirements
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Understanding of relevant
Health & Safety issues
Interview
Positive attitude to
colleagues and students
Interview/References
Interest and ability to
participate in some field
work.
Interview
3
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
OFFICE-BASED POST
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU) no further information needs to
be supplied.
NON-OFFICE BASED POST
If this post has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the
analysis below.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Outside work
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
X
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:

X
Typical molecular biological lab chemicals including phenol, chloroform (<2ml discrete volumes) and dilute acids such
as 15% HCl
Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
X
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
X
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
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