Skip to main content

This job has expired

Research Biologist

Employer
Engender Technologies
Location
Auckland, New Zealand
Salary
Based on personal qualifications and experience.
Closing date
May 19, 2019

Research Biologist

COMPANY

Engender Technologies Limited is a New Zealand company that has developed a new technology to separate X- and Y-bearing bull sperm cells. The technology is a sort-on-a-chip approach with integrated microfluidic and photonic components. It is expected to be low cost and cause minimal discernable damage to the cells. Sex sorting is expected to sustainably accelerate genetic gain and improve cost efficiencies in large animal reproduction. More information is available at www.engendertechnologies.com

ROLE

Two full time research positions are immediately available. Successful candidates will join a highly creative, dynamic, and productive multi-disciplinary team of engineers, physicists, and biologists in the research and development of the sperm sorting technology. They will work independently under the guidance of and in conjunction with the Team Leader in accomplishing the goals of the company. They must be committed to advancing technology goals on aggressive timelines through effective collaboration with the bigger team. They will participate in regular training programmes. Applicants should be willing to learn new techniques and skills, continuously survey and review existing and latest literature, able to work independently, design and conduct experiments, and willing to think critically. Travelling is required.

DURATION

Fixed term contract for 1 year with the possibility of extending for another 2 years.

JOB DUTIES

  • Processing samples, including staining and health assessment assays, gDNA isolation and quantitative PCR
  • Assist in the design and execution of molecular and cellular experiments
  • Assisting with in vitro fertilisations
  • Critically evaluate and analyse complex experimental results
  • Assist in summarising data and presenting them into tables and graphs
  • Keep abreast of scientific literature in the field and implement modalities and protocols
  • Conducts literature searches and summarises information in an appropriate format
  • Troubleshooting and identifying areas for process improvement
  • Maintain accurate and detailed lab books, records, and databases
  • Writing up new SOPs and refining existing SOPs
  • Offer day-to-day support (purchasing, maintenance of laboratory equipment and environment, monitor lab safety)
  • Interact with field experts and with researchers of non-biology background
  • Present and write regular progress reports
  • Attends team meetings for experimental planning and present results in project meetings

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must possess a BSc or MSc in Biology/Biomedical Science/Cell Biology/Molecular Biology/ Reproductive Biology with a minimum of 3 years experience in the following:

  • Embryo handling and manipulations, and quality grading OR
  • Molecular biology (cloning, DNA preparations, restriction digest, RT-PCR, PCR, real-time PCR)

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

  • Significant practical skills and proven experience in cell culture systems, various staining protocols, microscopy, and imaging
  • Willingness to travel to and enter the slaughterhouse to collect organ samples is a prerequisite
  • Strong computer skills, including Microscoft Office Suite
  • Highly motivated and work with initiative
  • Knowledge and experience with biocontainment facilities and procedures, laboratory safety, biosecurity, and decontamination
  • Exceptional time management and organisational skills, with proven ability to be able to organise and schedule their own work
  • Ability to troubleshoot laboratory processes
  • Proven track record in generating and analysing high quality data
  • High attention to detail when performing routine tasks
  • Experience collaborating with others and effectively working in teams
  • Outstanding work ethics
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
  • Ability to work with strict timelines
  • Take on a variety of duties when necessary to meet project deadlines

DESIRABLE SKILLS

  • Experience with droplet digital PCR and data analysis
  • Image analysis using Metamorph/ImageJ/Photoshop
  • Knowledge and experience in statistical analyses
  • Experience in handling living small animals
  • Experience in evaluating cell viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis using FACS

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, CV, and contact details of three referees to Dr. Maggie Au (maggie.au@engendertechnologies.com).

Closing date: 14th April 2019, however applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and therefore the post may be filled before the deadline.

Engender Technologies Limited is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and thrive on diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert