Heriot-Watt University is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic candidate to help deliver research in the area of Molecular Biology. The successful candidate will be employed for a period of 24 months at 100% FTE, as part of a project entitled "MicroSNARE: Automated Enrichment Of Circulating Tumour DNA For Improved Cancer Treatment". This research is funded by EPSRC and aims to develop novel solutions for the enrichment of circulating tumour DNA. The recruited researcher will be responsible for developing and testing methods to enrich specific sequence variants from within cancer patient's cell free DNA samples. They will also collaborate with Bioengineers in the deployment of a fluid-handling robotic platform, whose performance will be compared to a microfluidic system. In addition, they may contribute to the acquisition and transport of clinical samples to Heriot-Watt campus, and will be responsible for the quality control, and data management throughout the project. The post-holder will be required to demonstrate experience of standard molecular biology protocols. They will be expected to work as part of a wider research team. The role will be based at the University's campus in Edinburgh. The candidate will have the access to established university resources, and an induction programme will be delivered to all new appointees. Key Duties and Responsibilities Conduct and manage research and related administrative activities, with guidance as required, ensuring that project aims and objectives are met. Working closely with the supervisory team, develop and plan research objectives. Present information on research progress and outcomes to, for example, project lead, research team, etc. Support the publication or research reports, conference, and indexed journal papers in line with project requirements. Build appropriate networks within the team. Support dissemination and contribute to the preparation of technical workshops, seminars, and conferences as appropriate. Ensure that all data collection undertaken as part of the project is done so ethically and in line with both UK (GDPR) privacy and data protection policies, and in compliance with the requirements of the funder. Essential PhD degree in Molecular Biology or related cognate discipline Experience of Molecular Biology (PCR, and other DNA quantification, sequencing). Clear communicator with excellent organisational skills, and experience of quality control Fluent (verbal and written) in English Proficient in Microsoft Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Hardworking, proactive, willing to learn new things Ability to work both independently and as part of a team Flexible, self-motivated and able to plan his/her own work Good interpersonal skills Enjoys being part of an academic community, and willing to take a 'hands on' approach from the outset. Desirable Possesses research and analytical skills with strong capacity to conduct independent research Experience of publishing papers in journals/ conferences Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University, More information regarding the Clinical Microfluidics Laboratory, led by Maiwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas can be found at: https://clinicalmicroflu.eps.hw.ac.uk/ And Regarding Nick Leslie's Research Can Be Found Here https://researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/persons/nicholas-r-leslie With state-of-the-art learning resources and teaching spaces, the Heriot Watt University campus is a dynamic and stimulating place to study, boasting an exceptional range of facilities to provide a high-quality student experience. These include a variety of informal study spaces, an extensive library and easy access to IT facilities with wireless Internet connectivity throughout. Teaching activities are styled on a student-centred approach to learning, which means, students develop independence, emotional intelligence, and analytical skills, making them highly sought after by employers. Our research focuses on the challenges of significance to our society and draws upon close collaboration with industry and government sectors. Our profile has grown significantly over recent years, and we seek to build upon this success by extending our reach, building upon the themes of innovation and enterprise. Delivering against this next stage is an important step in building capacity for research, innovation, and business engagement in support of our Strategy 2025. About Heriot-Watt Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. Nearly 30,000 students' study with Heriot-Watt across business, engineering, design and the social, physical, biological and sports sciences. Our student body is roughly split evenly between the UK, our two campuses in Dubai and Malaysia, and online, with the latter being distributed across almost all the countries of the world. We also have many partnerships with other institutions world-wide who award Heriot-Watt degrees., At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community. Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all., Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.