The Role

About the Project

The recently funded EPSRC Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing Hub (CARMA) is a £12m, 7-year collaborative research programme between Aberystwyth and the Universities of Bath (lead), UCL, Birmingham and the Royal Agricultural University. CARMA aims to integrate novel cellular agriculture processes and products into current food systems in ways that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. The Hub is supported by a range of industry partners across the cellular agriculture value chain.

About the Role

We seek a highly motivated and diligent research technician for a part time role, in the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University which is leading on the cell source and media formulation for cultured meat work package within the CARMA project. The post holder will work alongside a Postdoctoral Fellow and support work on development and quality assessment of low cost, low environmental impact, ethically sourced and consumer-accepted muscle cells and culture media ingredients for cultured meat production.

This novel and exciting project is interdisciplinary in nature and the appointee will be expected to support individual interdisciplinary research projects and provide relevant information and data to collaborating academic and industry partners.

A key feature of the CARMA project is the Personal and Professional Development Programme (PPD), which will prepare and develop all researchers to work in a diverse and inclusive creative industry. ED&I will underpin our day-to-day activities; in effect our ecosystem will be the model for inclusive world-leading research, with a focus on early career researcher development, building upon best practice regardless of sector. The PPD programme will also extend to career development and our core academic team is the ideal combination of experienced, and early career academics to enable CARMA to act as an effective training platform.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Dr Ruth Wonfor at rec21@aber.ac.uk.

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

What you’ll do

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

Support the CARMA related lab work and experiments within the cell culture laboratory at Aberystwyth University.
Perform cell culture establishment and maintenance.
Follow defined experimental plans and help to prepare detailed SOPs.
Prepare samples for and support relevant analyses, such as immunofluorescence, microscopy, RNA-sequencing, RT-PCR, cell cytotoxicity.
Participate in day to day running and organisation of the cell culture laboratory and supplies ordering.
Work closely with team members within our laboratory and with the wider CARMA team, to help to deliver key project milestones in a timely manner.
Support postgraduate and undergraduate students within the laboratory on associated projects.
Collaborate effectively with other academic researchers within the CARMA project, as well as industry partners.
Support data production for high quality scientific publications and reports.
Opportunity to attend national and international conferences.
Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
Commit to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
To be committed to your own development through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme and the CARMA PPD programme.
Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

Undergraduate degree (2.1 or higher) in a relevant subject area e.g. cell biology, biological sciences, tissue engineering OR equivalent experience.
Demonstrable experience working in mammalian cell culture and utilising aseptic techniques.
Ability to diligently follow defined methodologies, troubleshoot and update protocols effectively.
Attention to detail to ensure accurate and reliable data production.
Good knowledge of laboratory health and safety and waste management procedures.
Ability to deliver tasks in a timely manner.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work effectively as a part of a team.
Organisational skills, with an ability to multitask and work independently on defined tasks.
IT and data management skills in spreadsheets/databases and word processing.
Willingness to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable

Masters or post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject area e.g. cell biology, biological sciences, tissue engineering OR equivalent experience.
Experience of working on downstream cell analyses, such as immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, cell cytotoxicity.
Experience of working with industry partners/stakeholders.
Evidence of producing data for academic publications.
Experience of supporting postgraduate and/or undergraduate students in the laboratory.
Ability to work flexibly with changes in research priorities.
Experience of laboratory management or organisation.
Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A1*

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

How to apply

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

Flexible working policy
36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
Commitment to Professional Development
Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
Staff recognition and reward schemes
Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
Staff relocation bursary
Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Please keep reading

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.

Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing Hub (CARMA) jobs

Research Technician - Cultured meat: cell sources and media formulations