Research Fellow / Engineer – Biosensor and Microbial Detection

About the role

The position involves delivering an industry‑innovation research project within a team developing molecular and sequencing workflows for microbial characterisation. The work supports rapid detection of microbial bioburden in biopharmaceutical cleaning validation using a Surface‑Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor platform.

Key responsibilities

• Perform microbial community characterisation using NGS platforms (Illumina or Oxford Nanopore) and prepare sequencing libraries.
• Design and execute qPCR‑based assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation.
• Support aptamer discovery experiments, including nucleic‑acid preparation and molecular characterisation.
• Maintain laboratory records, ensure safety compliance, manage consumables, and mentor junior researchers.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering or related field (Master’s/PhD advantageous).
• Hands‑on experience with NGS technologies, low‑biomass microbial samples, DNA extraction, PCR, and qPCR assays.
• Experience with aptamer technologies or nucleic‑acid‑based molecular recognition systems.

Required skills

• Next‑generation sequencing (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore)
• qPCR assay design and execution
• DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic‑acid quantification
• Basic bioinformatics processing (quality control, taxonomic profiling)
• Aptamer validation and discovery techniques