Research Assistant in Viral Sequencing

Job title:

Research Assistant in Viral Sequencing

Company

Bangor University

Job description

Applications are invited for a fixed-term, full-time Research Assistant to work in the National Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Laboratory within the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences at Bangor University.Duties will include supporting research and wastewater surveillance activities in the Laboratory. The post holder will be mainly be responsible for conducting next-generation sequencing for the variant analysis of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses on Illumina and MinION platforms. Their work will include sequencing preparation, troubleshooting, method validation and verification and the required paperwork. They will also help process invertebrates and all types of water samples, including untreated and treated wastewater, sludge, surface water, groundwater and drinking water. The post will also involve regular attendance at group research and associated management meetings.Candidates should be educated to degree level standard in a related area such as biomedical science, biology, microbiology, environmental science etc. or a related subject or have experience working in a similar research environment. Applicants should also have experience in next generation sequencing and experience in the use of molecular approaches (e.g. including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR) for viral analysis. An essential part of the post will be to integrate within the wider project team.The postholder will be required to work 36.25 hours over 5 days per week, with 3 different shift patterns: 08.00-16.00 h, 09.00-17.00 h and 10.00-18.00 h, that will be scheduled in advance.The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible and the post is fixed-term to 31/10/2027.The role will be located in the School of Environmental and Natural Science based on the Bangor University campus.Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.Please include in your application a cover letter showing how you meet the essential criteria.Closing date for applications: 25 October 2024Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Professor Davey Jones, Professor of Soil and Environmental Science / Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor email: d.jones@bangor.ac.ukCommitted to Equal OpportunitiesOverviewLed by Professor Davey Jones, the National Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Laboratory at Bangor University was recently established to research and conduct WBE analysis, tracking enteric viruses (noroviruses, sapoviruses, hepatitis A/E viruses, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, rotavirus) and respiratory pathogens (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, measles virus, mpox) and faecal indicator viruses (e.g. crAssphage, MS2 bacteriophage, pepper mild mottle virus) and other, cellular enteric pathogens, indicators and antimicrobial resistance genes.This dedicated laboratory facility is focussed with a strong emphasis within the area of public health and environmental sampling/testing for specific targets within our contractual arrangements.Purpose of the JobThe postholder will be part of an established team working in the National Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Laboratory at Bangor University.The Sequencing Technician/RA position will support the research and surveillance activities in the national laboratory for wastewater monitoring based at Bangor University. This important work is required to assist us in our current project to track enteric (noroviruses, sapoviruses, hepatitis A/E viruses, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, rotavirus) and respiratory pathogens (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, measles virus, mpox) and faecal indicator viruses (e.g. crAssphage, MS2 bacteriophage, pepper mild mottle virus) and other, cellular enteric pathogens, indicators and antimicrobial resistance genes.The appointee will report directly to the academics at Bangor University and liaise with the other partner organisations to support collaborative research and wastewater surveillance activities. They will assist the Laboratory Team in meeting their anticipated outcomes within the agreed timescales of their projects.Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Supporting the research project team by carrying out Nucleic acid sample purification, RT-PCR, library preparation and the quality control associated with these activities.
• Sequencing on Illumina and ONT platforms.
• Concentration of samples using filtration and precipitation-based methods followed by virus lysis preparations in a CL2 lab.
• DNA/RNA Extraction – Can be manual or automated whereby use of the liquid handling system will be required for preparation of plates for use on the Kingfisher automated extraction system.
• Quantitative detection of enteric and respiratory pathogens and other viruses using qPCR for DNA and one-step RT-qPCR for RNA targets.
• Analysis and quality control of results in delivering contractual outcomes.
• Ensuring all equipment is kept maintained and calibrated using the QMS framework.
• Ensuring that labs are kept stocked with relevant consumables within budget.
• Maintaining and adhering to all health and safety guidelines.
• Routine cleaning and maintenance of labs and equipment.
• To liaise with all co-investigators and members of the viral ecology team working on the project.
• Support students where required with their projects.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Policy and the Welsh Language Standards.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person SpecificationQualifications/TrainingEssential

• A degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as biomedical science, biology, microbiology, environmental science etc.

Desirable

• Experience in undertaking microbiology-based research.
• Experience or knowledge of ISO protocols within a laboratory setting.

Experience/KnowledgeEssential

• Experience in next generation sequencing.
• Experience in the use of molecular approaches (e.g. including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR) for viral analysis.
• Theoretical knowledge of microbiological experimental approaches.
• Good knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
• Good general computing competency.
• Good statistical skills including general statistical methods.
• Experience of working as part of a wider group.
• Experience of being involved in research projects.

Desirable

• Experience using the Illumina and ONT platforms for wastewater-based applications.
• Experience in laboratory quality assurance procedures.
• Experience with data handling.
• Experience in wastewater analysis.

Skills/AbilitiesEssential

• The ability to work independently to deadlines, and to take responsibility for research outcomes.
• Motivation and enthusiasm about the aims of the national wastewater-based epidemiology laboratory and its work programme.
• Good time-management skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, including willingness to coordinate with others and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills in relation to research at the bench and data entry.
• Appreciation of the importance of Health and Safety at work.

Desirable

• A UK driving licence to enable travel to sometimes inaccessible sites.
• The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this role. If applicants are not able to speak / write in Welsh at present, there are many opportunities to learn if the successful candidate wishes to do so.

GeneralThe University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.We are a member of Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University’s policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) . If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme) from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa – .Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University’s Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.

Expected salary

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 04:48:37 GMT

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