Overview
At Basecamp Research we're looking for a Field Research Scientist to join our team.
About us
We are unlocking the potential of our planet’s unexplored biodiversity to build sustainable solutions with our biotechnology partners whilst demonstrating the value of our world’s undiscovered biology.
At Basecamp Research, we pride ourselves on being a diverse, exciting, fun, and flexible place to work. We are a team of biologists, data scientists & explorers united by a sense of adventure and the belief that nature has already designed the solutions to our planet’s greatest challenges - we just have to go out and discover them!
If you feel passionate about the power of biology to show the inherent value of nature and to build a better world, we’d love to hear from you.
About the job
We are looking for a Field Research Scientist to join the Global Research Team at Basecamp Research. This position will be two fold: focused on managing international collaborations & also leading expeditions to biodiversity hotspots around the world. Both with the overarching aim of facilitating the collection of microbial diversity data, which contributes to the world\'#039;s largest and fastest-growing database of protein sequences ever built. This database that we have been building for the past 5 years is ethically sourced and provides the basis of our AI foundation models, to build a “digital twin” of Earth’s biodiversity. Due to our emphasis on ethically sourced data, whose value can be tracked & tracked from source to commercialisation, a part of this role will also be focused on managing the knowledge sharing aspect that we include in all of our biodiversity partnerships.
This role would have a focus on molecular biology techniques and DNA extraction methods (whilst in the field on expeditions and also through the management of our biodiversity collaborations). It also includes working closely with leading experts in our passionate team based in London & Boston, spanning data science, biotechnology, and biodiversity engagement.
Main responsibilities
Collaboration Project Management:
* Work with international research groups, NGOs, academia & private entities, to plan and execute environmental sampling, which will provide extracted DNA for the BCR database & also provide insights to our biodiversity partners, for further applications (including academic publications & conservation decisions);
* Deliver environmental sampling & DNA extraction training to biodiversity partners around the globe;
* Permit applications and management: work with governing bodies, National Parks and other geographical areas of interest to increase the number of permits that allow us sample access around the world;
* Coordinate DNA biobanking in London to facilitate sequencing efforts with the Production Team.
* Though this is a predominantly office based role, regular international travel (average 2 weeks every 2 months) will be required.
Field expeditions:
* Plan and execute expeditions to areas such as National Parks, private land & conservation areas, where Basecamp Research has acquired permits for sampling.
* Expedition work can range from a day to multiple weeks, and entails:
o Planning logistics for travel and accommodation;
o Safety-conscious work in the field (hiking, boating, driving, etc) to access sites for sampling;
o Careful metadata and sample collection in the field;
o Expedition logistics (including customs documentation; packing lists, equipment cataloguing);
o In-situ DNA extraction using a portable DNA laboratory.
Key Skills and Experience
Preferred background:
* We welcome candidates with backgrounds in Environmental Science, Biodiversity, or related Life Sciences (e.g. ecology, molecular biology, climate studies, geology).
* Equivalent experience in related fields will also be considered.
Interpersonal skills:
* Demonstrated strong communication skills, ensuring clarity and professionalism in interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
* Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects effectively.
* A strong motivation to contribute to biodiversity research and Basecamp’s mission.
Field skills:
* Experience in the safe use of scientific and technical equipment in the field, and/or remote locations.
* Experience in planning and executing sampling field work.
* Experience of expedition logistics, including customs, packing lists, first aid & lone working protocols.
* Experience in leading and coordinating field teams, ensuring safety and efficiency.
* Competent in recording, managing, and quality-controlling field data for subsequent analysis & in troubleshooting equipment and adapting to challenging or unpredictable conditions whilst in the field.
Other desirable experience:
* General molecular biology or microbiology skills (incl. DNA extraction, processing, and sequencing and sample preparation).
* Experience of working with biosecurity, lab administration (inventory, risk assessments, organization), permitting.
What we can offer
* The opportunity to be a key member in an exciting, dynamic, and fast-moving field.
* A fun, flexible, and supportive work environment in the centre of London, and an emphasis on collaboration and personal development.
* A highly collaborative culture, we always work cross team and cross function, with engineers, data scientists, and biologists working directly together to tackle complex issues.
* Competitive compensation including equity
* Comprehensive medical cover with AXA
* Critical Illness and Group Income Protection
* Life Insurance
* Pension Scheme with Aviva
* Generous PTO
* Enhanced parental policy
* Bike2Work Scheme
Apply for the job
Do you want to join our team as our new Field Research Scientist? Then we'd love to hear from you!
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