Senior PDRA in Seaweed Biotechnology

The Role

The post holder will work on a range of projects to underpin the research group of the Associate Director of Science, Enterprise and Innovation. This will include the following:

• Discovery and applied research in the area of macroalgae/seaweed research, principally for cultivation and biochemical characterization of biomass. You will be expected to take responsibility for aspects of the projects you will be working on including planning and executing requirements. This will include both research and commercial projects/contracts.
• Provide teaching/education support at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level, and support student supervision.
• Leadership roles - supporting SAMS infrastructure, management, and enterprise e.g. lab management, organisation of science seminars and events, biological safety advisor, assisting with CCAP research agenda.
• You would be expected to engage with the Blue Growth Research Area at SAMS.
• As a senior PDRA, you will provide technical and career support to early career scientists.

Our Ideal Candidate

You will hold a Ph.D. in seaweed/macroalgae, mariculture, or plant science. You will have experience of and be able to evidence full project cycles, including planning, completing work activities timely, problem solving, maintaining workflow to timescales and quality, publishing research findings in high impact journals and preparation of completion of project data and reports. You will be able to design and oversee experiments conducted by yourself and others, such as support scientists and students, and you will be able to take a fundamental approach to the development of seaweed/macroalgal strains for commercially important products.

A strong understanding of biochemical analysis would be advantageous, and you will have experience in taking an active role in contributing to identifying research opportunities/preparing bids and have some evidence of identifying sources of funding and contribution to the securing of funds.

Experience in science communication, specifically participation at national/international conferences, meetings with project partners is desirable.

Employee Benefits

Our employees are the heart of our business. Recruiting and retaining the right people is the key to our success. Rewarding our employees is therefore an important component of our employment package and we have a wide range of benefits on offer to staff. These can enhance your personal and professional development, your health and well-being and your finances.

Additionally, SAMS encourages and recognises excellence among staff through various recognition and reward arrangements. We constantly develop and expand the benefits and offers for our colleagues.

SAMS offers a generous salary and pension as well as employee benefits package. We also have supportive policies to assist absence, family and other leave types.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you. If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email these through, in the first instance, to [contact hidden].

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically to [contact hidden] quoting Job Ref ‘D03/23.MS’ in the subject heading.

Closing date for applications is 12th May 2023 – Interviews will be held by the beginning of June 2023.

About us

The [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.