Technician

The University of Southampton is seeking a full-time Research Technician for the McCarthy Lab, focusing on synthetic biology to develop biofilm solutions for environmental challenges. Candidates should have a BSc or MSc in a relevant field and experience with advanced cloning, CRISPR, and biofilm imaging. The role involves data management, collaboration, and research output drafting, with opportunities for skill development and international collaboration. The position is fixed-term until June 2029.
Full Time Fixed Term until 01/06/2029


The McCarthy Lab has an exciting opportunity for a prospective Research Technician who is interested in synthetic biology approaches to engineer biofilms to better tackle environmental challenges.


You will be joining a highly interdisciplinary project, where we will blend synthetic biology, environmental engineering, and biotechnology to develop disruptive solutions to major environmental challenges. Experience with advanced cloning systems, CRISPR tools, metagenomic mining and the use of different biofilm imaging platforms is highly desirable. There will be a particular focus on developing approaches to harness bacterial community behaviours like biofilm formation to better tackle environmental pollutants such as waste plastics. Our aim is to leverage cutting-edge advancements in synthetic biology and biofilm engineering to develop innovative strategies for bioremediation, with a key focus on scalable solutions that can be readily adopted by the waste and water sectors.


This fast-paced project will give the successful candidate the opportunity to develop new skills by working closely with our interdisciplinary team and build their international profile including through research visits to academic collaborators and working with SMEs.


The successful candidate will be responsible for accurate and efficient data generation, data management, collation and the reporting of results to the project lead. The post-holder will need to demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organisational, team working and communication skills and have a keen interest in drafting research outputs for peer-review publication. The successful applicant will work closely with other researchers within the McCarthy Lab and with other EBIC partners. There will also be opportunities to explore the commercial


Applicants must have a BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline. Experience and knowledge in the field of biofilm formation is essential. Experience in some or all of the following: advanced cloning systems, CRISPR tools, metagenomic mining and the use of different biofilm imaging platforms is highly desirable. They should be enthusiastic, well motivated and be able to work both independently and collaboratively. This position is available for 32 months. Please include one paper or preprint that illustrates research skills that are relevant to this project.


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Job Description and Person Specification



£36,636 to £41,064 per annum