Research Scientist - Microbiology and Aerosol

Location

Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury Wilts, some home working may be arranged

About the job

Summary

Are you passionate about biological scientific research and development?

Do you want to play a part in protecting the UK against some of the most serious threats?

We are looking for two research scientists who will support and perform scientific research within our world class high containment facility. Our high containment capability is an exciting area where you will be part of a highly skilled team of scientific specialists. You'll work on a range of projects from groundbreaking research, through to translational therapeutic research to applying knowledge in operational support (for example, supporting the current pandemic).

The capability has impact at the highest levels of government and through this opportunity you could become part of the team!

Job description

Working with the Senior Technical leads, you will be supporting research within the Microbiology and Aerosol group. This includes growing and manipulating bacteria and viruses at high containment, planning and performing experiments and interpreting data. You may be required to develop skill sets to support and undertake work with animal models.

Job Dimensions

This role will be lab based but has the flexibility to work from home.

The work sometimes requires working outside of normal hours (evenings and weekends) but this attracts an additional payment.

Responsibilities

Essential skills:

Experience of working at microbiological containment level 2.

Familiarity of general microbiology, molecular biology methods (eg. PCR, cloning, bioinformatics), Immunology techniques (eg. ELISA, ELISPOT, Flow Cytometry) or cell culture techniques

Willingness to work with animal models

Ability to demonstrate a good understanding and approach to microbiological safe working practices

Team working

Desirable skills:

Experience of working at microbiological containment 3 and/or 4.

Experience of working with animal models

Memberships

Desirable membership of a professional body (eg. Royal Society of Biology, or equivalent)

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Essential

A BSc degree in biological science (eg. Microbiology, Immunology, virology or similar)

Desirable

Home office Personal License (PIL)

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Communicating and Influencing

Working Together

Delivering at Pace

Developing Self and Others

Benefits

We'll provide a great range of benefits including:

Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few.

Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 20 hours can be taken in any calendar month.

Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.

Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.

Chartership and accreditation support.

Pension.

Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.

A competitive salary.

Onsite gyms and restaurants.

Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.

Our Diversity Networks

DSTL recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution. We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.

These include the following:

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network

Faith and Culture Network

Parents and Carer Support Network

Alternative Working Network

Gender Equality Network

New Starters Network

Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities