Research Assistant (Environmental Microbiology)

We are seeking a motivated and capable Research Assistant to support research activities involving quantitative microbial analysis using multi-omics approaches. The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory and computational research workflows, including microbial cultivation, multi-omics data generation and analysis, and modelling of microbial systems.

This role offers the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary research environment and contribute to projects involving microbial ecology, systems biology, biotechnology, and related fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative microbial research using genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, fluxomic, and other multi-omics approaches.

• Perform laboratory-based molecular microbiology experiments, including microbial cultivation and sample preparation.

• Analyse and interpret complex biological datasets using computational and bioinformatics tools.

• Develop and apply metabolic, ecological, statistical, or related computational models to address research objectives.

• Support the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of microbial culture systems, including bioreactors and defined culture platforms where applicable.

• Prepare research reports, technical documentation, manuscripts, presentations, and other project-related materials.

• Collaborate effectively with researchers, technical staff, and external stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams.

• Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure compliance with laboratory safety and research governance requirements.

• Contribute to grant applications, project reporting, and dissemination of research findings where required.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, or a related discipline. Advanced qualifications such as a PhD are advantageous.

• Demonstrated experience in molecular microbiology and multi-omics research methodologies.

• Experience in the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, fluxomic, or related biological datasets using laboratory and/or computational approaches.

• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and workflows for amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, or related sequencing platforms.

• Experience with microbial culture systems; exposure to bioreactor operations or defined culture systems would be an advantage.

• Familiarity with metabolic, ecological, statistical, or related modelling approaches.

• Strong scientific writing, data interpretation, and communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.

• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines effectively.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience integrating multiple omics datasets for biological interpretation.

• Proficiency in scientific programming or data analysis tools commonly used in bioinformatics and computational biology.

• Experience contributing to scientific publications, technical reports, or research proposals.