Job description and selection criteria

Job title	Research Technician in Microbiology and Biocatalysis
Research topic	Microbiology and Biocatalysis
Division	Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR)
Location	Building A, 388 Ruo Shui Road, Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
Grade and salary	A competitive remuneration package will apply
Hours	Full time
Contract type	Fixed-term (3 years), with the possibility of extension.
Principal Investigator	Professor Luet Wong
Technical skills	Microbiology, recombinant enzyme production, biocatalysis, analytical chemistry
Vacancy reference	6007-2018-3
Additional information	The post is available from 20 February 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Overview of the role

The OSCAR Research Technician (RT) will work with post-doctoral level Research Scientists (RS) and provide technical support for the research program on the selective oxidation of organic compounds by engineered variants of cytochrome P450 enzymes for applications in the synthesis of intermediates and active ingredients for the fine chemical, agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries.

The post is tenable for three years starting 20 December 2020. The RT will report to Professor Luet Wong, the PI of the program.

Responsibilities/duties

Perform microbiology, recombinant enzyme isolation, biotransformation and product analysis experiments as directed by the PI and the RS team.
Preparation of media for bacterial growth in shake flasks, inoculation, induction of protein production, bacterial harvest by centrifugation, lysis using lysozyme and sonication, enzyme purification by chromatography, in vivo and in vitro biotransformation of organic compounds in microtitre plates and larger scales (up to 1 litre), product extraction and purification by flash silica gel chromatography and liquid chromatography. Detailed methods and full training in all procedures and operation of equipment will be provided.
Ensure that chemicals, reagents including gases, glassware and consumables are kept in stock by tracking inventory and re-ordering.
Work under the direction of the Saftey Officer to ensure safe collection, storage and disposal of all biological and chemical wastes (both solid and liquid) according to government safety regulations.
Assist in keeping microbiology and molecular biology equipment serviced, maintained and in good working order.

Selection criteria

Essential

Hold or about to graduate with a Masters (MSc) degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry/ Biology or equivalent programs including joint degrees.
Laboratory experience in microbiology and enzymology.
Relevant knowledge and laboratory experience in techniques in gene cloning and recombinant protein expression.
Be a motivated, enthusiastic, organised member of a team.
Be willing to learn new techniques and apply them in an interdisciplinary research environment to expand and improve technical and theoretical knowledge.
Be able to keep detailed laboratory records and report on progress at regular intervals.
Excellent English reading skills and good English speaking and writing skills.

Desirable

Relevant knowledge and laboratory experience with analytical techniques such as gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography.

How to apply Applicants should submit a covering letter and CV in English as a PDF attachment by email to HR@oxford-oscar.cn before the closing date of 12:00 midday on 30 December 2020. The email subject should specify the title of the post for which you are applying and you must include your full name and telephone number.

Recruitment Office

Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research

Email: HR@oxford-oscar.cn

OSCAR website: https://oscar.web.ox.ac.uk

Research Technician in Microbiology and Biocatalysis