A Division of Aquaffirm

Ref: BNC/PDRA/MEXBNW

 Salary Range: £32,055 – £37,000

Bio Nano Consulting has one full-time Scientific Consultant role in Enzyme Electrochemistry available. Acting as part of the Bio Nano Consulting team the Scientific Consultant will be required to work on a collaborative UK/Mexico technology development project. The post-holder will report to a BNC Project Manager and will join a highly motivated group working to develop an innovative and low-cost biosensor for measuring arsenic contamination levels in drinking water. The project will involve collaborating with the Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, Durango, to field trial the sensor, and will form part of a larger effort to map arsenic levels in Northern Mexico and create risk analysis models to highlight communities in greatest need of arsenic mitigation. The successful applicant will have a strong background in electrochemistry and ideally with experience enzyme electrochemical biosensors. Industrial research and development experience or conducting translational academic research would be beneficial.

Additionally, the successful candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills and will have an ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  The role requires use of a candidate’s own initiative to ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within the scope and in required quality.  Confidence in working in a busy, business-focussed environment with highly-skilled and motivated individuals, coupled with the ability to handle pressure on occasions is essential. The appointment will start as soon as possible and will be for a period of 12 months in the first instance (with a likely extension for a further 12 months). Appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • this is primarily a laboratory based position requiring fabrication, characterisation and analysis of electrochemical sensors
  • to take initiative in the planning of the work, in collaboration with the project manager, and collaborators in both the UK and Mexico
  • to collect and analyse data relevant to the project aims
  • to identify and develop suitable techniques for the collection and analysis of data
  • to ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
  • to maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
  • to travel, as required, for meetings with collaborators in Mexico, to attend conferences, and project progress meetings
  • to undertake appropriate administration tasks associated with the project
  • to prepare progress reports on research as required.
  • to attend relevant meetings and workshops, internally and externally, as necessary
  • to present findings both internally and at conferences
  • to contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to peer reviewed journals and patent applications
  • to comply with relevant BNC policies, including Financial Regulations, Equal Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Information Systems Security Policy and Intellectual Property Rights and Register of Interests Policies
  • to be responsible for ensuring that equipment is safe and maintained in working order
  • the postholder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by Bio Nano Consulting

 

Qualifications

 PhD in Electrochemistry or a similar field

 

Knowledge / Experience

 experience in electrochemistry is essential

  • experience in electrode design, fabrication and characterisation is essential
  • practical experience within a strong research environment, either academic or industrial is essential
  • ideally applicants will have experience in enzyme electrochemical biosensors
  • ideally applicants will have experience in nanoelectrochemistry, including nanoarray electrodes.
  • ideally applicants will have experience in electrochemical simulation and advanced electrochemical analysis
  • ideally experience of preparing and publishing scientific papers in relevant, high-impact, refereed journals (including as first author)
  • ideally applicants will have experience of using design of experiments (DOE)
  • basic knowledge of enzyme stabilisation will be beneficial but not necessary

Skills and Abilities

  •  ability to conduct a comprehensive but succinct review of recent literature
  • ability to apply knowledge and experience, described above, to generate relevant experimental data
  • ability to develop and apply new concepts or theories, drawing on literature and experimental information
  • creative approach to problem-solving
  • excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • excellent written communication skills, especially to write clearly and succinctly for publication
  • ability to organise work on own initiative
  • ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
  • computer skills, including data analysis, spreadsheets, word-processing, reference databases

Personal Attributes

  •  willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
  • flexible attitude towards work as necessitated by the demands of the project
  • highly self-motivated
  • disciplined with regard to confidentiality and security at all times
  • willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
  • willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct research, attend conferences, and meet with project collaborators/sponsors

Salary & Benefits

The salary range is £32,055 – £37,000 (inclusive of London allowance) based on experience. We also offer a stakeholder pension scheme and 25 days paid annual leave.

To apply for this position please email your CV with a covering letter to admin@bio-nano-consulting.com.

Bio Nano Consulting is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged.

Closing date: 16th September 2016 @ 23.59 (UK time)

Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 4th October 2016.