Research Assistant - Rivers and Lochs Institute

The Rivers and Lochs Institute at Inverness College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), is hiring a full-time Genetics Laboratory Research Assistant to support its work in applying genetic tools to biodiversity conservation and management. We are seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated member of staff to work with us on a permanent basis.

The University of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland’s newest University, is a partnership of 13 colleges and research institutions which offers its students the complete learner journey - from access-level further education courses right through to Ph.D. and post-doctoral training. Inverness College, located on a new and growing campus, is at the heart of the UHI community and one of its largest partners. Working closely with businesses and stakeholders, the College’s curriculum and research capacity is designed to support the strengths and ambitions of the region. The city of Inverness, ‘Gateway to the Scottish Highlands’, offers a high quality of life, combining affordable urban amenities with easy access to some of Scotland’s most spectacular natural landscapes and national and international transport connections.

The Rivers and Lochs Institute (https://www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk/research/the-rivers-and-lochs-institute/) supports the management of biodiversity through research, training, and education. To this end, RLI staff and graduate students work with local communities, natural resource managers, businesses and government agencies, and collaborate with researchers across the UHI network, at other UK universities, and worldwide. Current projects include conservation genomic studies of freshwater and marine bivalves; application of genetic tools to guide the management of Scottish salmon populations; using genetic metabarcoding to examine the impact of fish farming on the marine benthos; developing eDNA methods for aquatic species detection; and research on the potential of aquatic habitats to attract ecotourists. RLI has a state-of-the art molecular genetics laboratory, including high-throughput sequencing capability. We are currently expanding our eDNA laboratory facilities and also have a well-equipped field laboratory. RLI staff have office space in the Inverness College Research Hub, where they interact closely with other researchers in the Centre for Remote and Sustainable Communities and the Forests and Biodiversity Group. All Inverness College staff are encouraged and supported to advance their career through training and other opportunities.

Job Purpose:

We are seeking a suitably skilled and qualified Research Assistant to work in our Molecular Genetics Laboratory at the Rivers and Lochs Institute. You will have a good first degree in a suitable subject and experience of working in a molecular genetics laboratory, performing tasks such as DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, next generation sequencing and methods development and optimization.

The research assistant will:

· Provide technical laboratory assistance on specified research and knowledge exchange projects.

· Support other research and knowledge exchange activity.

· Provide laboratory assistance and training for research postgraduates.

· Assist with the day to day running of the RLI’s Molecular Genetics Laboratory, including purchasing and maintenance of the sample database.

Application Closing Date: 14^th March 2021

Shortlisting will take place on 17^th March 2021

Interviews: week commencing 22^nd March 2021

Requests for feedback after interview are welcomed, unfortunately this is not available at the shortlisting stage.

Eligibility: The successful applicant will need to provide proof of their right to work in the UK and pass a satisfactory PVG Scheme check through Disclosure Scotland prior to commencing employment.

Please apply via the link.